Ghana bans land transit of sugar, rice and other imports to curb smuggling and protect revenue
Ghana introduces new border controls banning land transit of key imported goods to prevent revenue leakages and curb smuggling through abuse of the transit trade regime.
GHANA – Ghana has banned the land transit of imported sugar and several other goods as part of new measures aimed at tightening border controls and preventing losses to government revenue.
The directive was announced by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson following a meeting with Aaron Akanor, Acting Commissioner of Customs, and senior officials from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Under the new policy, the land transit of imported goods such as sugar, rice, cooking oil, frozen foods, textiles and flour has been prohibited. Authorities say the move is intended to close loopholes in the import and transit system that have previously led to significant revenue leakages.
The minister has also ordered the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau, a unit responsible for valuation and technical support within the Customs Division.
According to government officials, the measures are designed to strengthen border monitoring, improve customs enforcement and protect national revenue.
The policy has received support from the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, which said the directive would help address long-standing challenges related to smuggling and unfair trade practices.
According to the association, Ghana has for years experienced revenue losses due to the abuse of the transit trade regime. Some traders reportedly declare goods as cargo destined for neighbouring countries but later divert them into the domestic market through land borders without paying the required duties and taxes.
Chairman of the association, Rev. John Awuni, said stronger enforcement and policy reforms are necessary to protect businesses operating legally within the country.
“Stronger enforcement and policy reforms are necessary to protect businesses and ensure stability within the country’s trade environment,” Awuni said.
The association also urged authorities to expand the restrictions to cover additional product categories to prevent traders from bypassing the new controls.
FABAG has specifically called on the government to consider including fruit juices under the restrictions, warning that traders could misclassify goods to evade the updated measures.
The association said the policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening trade regulation, safeguarding public revenue and creating a fair trading environment for legitimate businesses in Ghana.
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