Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened an investigation into suspected corruption linked to the diversion of 50 twenty-foot containers of palm oil valued at GH¢25.8 million. The OSP announced the probe in a statement dated February 24, 2026.
According to the statement, the shipment entered Ghana under a “goods in transit” declaration to Burkina Faso. Goods in transit are cargo meant to pass through a country under customs control, without entering the local market or attracting domestic duties. The OSP said the consignment was unlawfully redirected for local sale without the payment of required duties and taxes.
What the OSP says happened
The OSP’s preliminary findings point to a coordinated scheme involving some Customs officers, National Security operatives, and clearing agents. The Office said the alleged diversion caused an estimated tax loss of GH¢10.5 million to the state.
The statement did not name suspects or announce arrests. It said inquiries remain ongoing.
Palm oil diversion and the transit system under scrutiny
Transit trade relies on strict supervision from border agencies. It also depends on documentation and tracking across checkpoints. When transit goods slip into domestic distribution, the state can lose duties, VAT, and related charges.
In this case, the OSP says the palm oil shipment was diverted into Ghana’s market. It says the diversion happened outside lawful customs procedures.
The intelligence operation that triggered the probe
The OSP said an intelligence-led operation in November 2025 triggered the investigation. The Office described it as the starting point for detecting irregularities in the handling and clearance of the consignment.
The statement did not provide more operational details. It did not say where the containers were intercepted or stored.
Why this case matters for public finances
The OSP linked the alleged diversion to a direct revenue loss. It put the estimated tax shortfall at GH¢10.5 million. Officials often treat transit fraud as high risk because it can scale quickly across multiple shipments.
The OSP said it remains committed to protecting public funds and promoting integrity in public administration.
What the Special Prosecutor’s office can do next
The OSP was established under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). It has a mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption and related offences, especially those involving public officials.
For now, the Office says it is still gathering facts. It has framed the case as an active corruption inquiry tied to border processes and unpaid taxes
