The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched a major corruption probe into the unlawful diversion of imported palm oil worth GHS25.8 million, in a case that has raised fresh concerns about revenue leakages and collusion within state institutions.
According to an official statement, the investigation focuses on the suspected diversion of fifty 20-foot containers of palm oil that were originally declared as transit cargo destined for Burkina Faso but were instead released into Ghana’s local market without the payment of required duties and taxes.
The OSP said the case stems from an intelligence-led operation conducted in November 2025, which uncovered irregularities in the handling and clearance of the consignment.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating suspected corruption involving the diversion of fifty (50) twenty-foot containers of palm oil valued at GHS25.8 million.” - Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
Investigators believe the goods, which should have moved across Ghana’s borders under transit arrangements, were unlawfully rerouted for domestic sale, bypassing customs controls and depriving the state of significant revenue.
Officials and Agents Under Scrutiny
The anti-corruption agency has identified multiple actors allegedly involved in the scheme, including Customs personnel, National Security operatives, and private clearing agents.
“The Office has identified the involvement of some Customs officers, National Security operatives, and clearing agents in a corrupt scheme,” the statement noted.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the diversion resulted in a tax loss of about GHS10.5 million, highlighting the scale of the financial impact on the public purse.
The investigation is expected to examine the clearance process, transit monitoring systems, and possible collusion that enabled the containers to be released into the domestic market without detection.
Commitment to Protect Public Funds
The OSP emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and forms part of its broader mandate to combat corruption and safeguard state revenue.
“As the process continues, the Office remains committed to protecting the public purse and upholding integrity,” the statement said.
The case comes amid growing efforts by authorities to tighten controls over transit cargo, a system that has historically been vulnerable to abuse through diversion and under-declaration.
If proven, the alleged scheme would underscore persistent weaknesses in border and revenue enforcement and reinforce the need for stronger accountability mechanisms within agencies responsible for trade facilitation and national security.
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