The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has begun investigations into suspected corruption involving the diversion of 50 containers of palm oil with a total value of about GH₵25.8 million.

The OSP indicated that the consignment, which was originally declared to be destined for Burkina Faso, was diverted into the local market illegally, without paying the correct duties and taxes.

According to the OSP, this diversion was done with the connivance of some Customs officers, National Security Operatives and clearing agents in a corrupt scheme that deprived the state of an estimated GH₵10.5 million in taxes.

The Office assured the public of its commitment to protecting the public purse and upholding integrity.

On February 18, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Division, intercepted 18 articulated trucks carrying assorted goods — including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste — declared for transit to Niger, at the Akanu and Aflao border posts.

The interception revealed tax evasion totaling GH¢85.3 million, with sources indicating that the cargo was moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required under Ghana’s transit regime.

The scale of the diversion prompted swift action from Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who ordered an immediate ban on the land transit of cooking oil, directing that all such consignments must enter and exit the country exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.

“The Office has identified the involvement of some Customs officers, National Security operatives, and clearing agents in a corrupt scheme,” the OSP stated, signalling that the scandal cuts across multiple state institutions.

The investigation was launched following an intelligence-led operation conducted in November 2025, indicating that authorities had been monitoring the scheme for several months before publicly disclosing the probe.

The OSP, established under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), is mandated to independently investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences, particularly those involving public officials.

The Special Prosecutor’s office did not name any specific individuals in Tuesday’s statement but assured the public that the process is ongoing.

“As the process continues, the Office remains committed to protecting the public purse and upholding integrity,” it said.