Persistent revenue leakages in our sector of the economy can be described as a systemic and coordinated practice embedded within the operations of some customs officers at the Free Zone enclave, dating back to 2016. These leakages have evolved into a culture among certain customs officers stationed at major entry border points. Through under-invoicing and other concealed practices, some officers allegedly collaborate with traders and importers to defraud the state.
Prof Ibrahim Zubairu, Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance and current Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business at Accra Technical University, made these remarks on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He expressed the view that some customs officers compromise state revenue by collaborating with traders and importers to loot public funds.
Commenting on the broader economic outlook and macroeconomic stability, Prof. Zubairu noted that the government has performed well in stabilizing the economy. He pointed to positive indicators across various sectors as evidence of gradual recovery and growth.
However, he disagreed with the minority’s position that the government is merely stage-managing the economy rather than allowing genuine development to take place.
Touching on cocoa politics, he described the minority’s stance as deceptive and reckless, accusing them of mismanaging the economy over the past eight years.
Looking ahead, he congratulated the government for putting structures in place that have contributed to a positive economic outlook. Nevertheless, he cautioned against complacency, urging the government and its team to continue working diligently toward national development.
In a related development, John Dramani Mahama has warned that smuggling, counterfeiting, and the rebagging of inferior products amount to economic sabotage. He pledged that his administration would treat such acts as serious economic crimes.
The warning follows the interception of 18 articulated trucks declared for transit to Niger, suspected to be part of a broader diversion scheme. Post-inspection checks revealed discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights, increasing the estimated revenue exposure from GH¢2.6 million to over GH¢85 million.
Speaking during a presidential encounter with the private sector at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, President Mahama outlined measures his government intends to implement to clamp down on illicit trade activities, emphasizing accountability for public officials involved.
“We will intensify coordinated border enforcement, treat trade infractions as economic crimes, dismiss and prosecute public officers found culpable, deploy technology-driven customs surveillance solutions, and rigorously enforce product standards.
“This government is determined to protect Ghanaian enterprises so they can thrive and grow,” he stated.