Presidential interference rocks Tema missing containers probe

….. Importers threaten legal action against government

Confusion has engulfed the committee investigating the disappearance and unauthorized movement of containers at the Tema Port, with members said to be divided over the findings of its anticipated report.

The Herald understands that disagreements have emerged over whether to establish that the containers were stolen or went missing, and to determine possible responsibility on the part of the Assets Confiscation Committee, headed by Prince Awudu, or to conclude that no theft occurred.

Sources familiar with the inquiry allege that influential officials at the Presidency have sought to influence the outcome in a manner favorable to Mr. Awudu and his associates, asking that the actual findings be concealed.

Tensions reportedly escalated over the weekend after a member of the investigative team shared a draft report on a WhatsApp platform established for committee members to exchange information and discuss the inquiry.

The draft reportedly sought to exonerate Mr Awudu, his committee, and persons associated with them, triggering heated disagreements among members over the proposed conclusions.

It is not clear whether the Assets Confiscation Committee Chairman, Prince Awudu, was called to testify or whether any of his “boys” were called to give evidence or react to some of the claims of the importers, including claims of an attempt to settle some of them with US$200,000 to hush the matter.

The controversy has cast uncertainty over the submission of the final report to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.

The Herald has learnt that proposals are being considered for a counter-report setting out the findings of members who believe the investigation should establish the whereabouts of the missing containers, identify any cargo that was emptied or unlawfully removed, and determine whether established procedures were breached.

The prospect of competing reports threatens to deepen divisions within the committee and raise questions about the credibility of its findings.

Meanwhile, some importers are preparing legal action against the government and other parties they consider responsible for the loss of their goods.

The potential claims are said to involve hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis.

National Security Secretariat has also been investigating the matter, but there are no indications yet that it has been established.

Mr Sarpong constituted a nine-member Fact-Finding and Investigative Committee following a petition dated September 29, 2026, from importers and clearing representatives who raised concerns about the whereabouts of their consignments.

The petition was reportedly submitted by clearing agents Elvis Kwabena Awuah and Ibrahim Amadou, together with importer representatives Amadu Diande and Amadou Diiguba.

The petitioners alleged that their containers, which were at various stages of customs clearance, had disappeared or been moved without their knowledge.

The consignments reportedly contained high-value goods, including cyanide, condensed milk, sardines, alcohol, textiles, pharmaceuticals, black pepper, and tomato paste.

Some containers were allegedly emptied, while others were reportedly offloaded into private warehouses near the GHACEM enclave or removed from the port.

The allegations have raised concerns about port security, customs compliance, revenue assurance and the protection of importers’ property.

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, was given 14 days from the date of the relevant memorandum to complete its work and submit a final report.

Its members include Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Adviser to the Commissioner-General, as secretary, alongside senior officials responsible for legal affairs, customs operations, post-clearance audit, preventive operations, policy, investigations and the ICUMS system.

Assistant Commissioner Diana Ayorkor Agbenyega is providing technical support.

The committee was tasked with establishing the physical location and status of all containers, especially some 28, and determining whether standard customs procedures were breached.

Its work includes reviewing records on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), the Uncleared Cargo List, relevant gazetting processes and gate-out logs linked to the affected Bills of Lading.

It was also expected to identify any GRA officers or external collaborators implicated by the evidence, quantify potential revenue losses and recommend recovery measures.

The investigation is examining how containers may have been moved from designated locations or left the port without completing the required customs clearance and shipping procedures.

Sources familiar with the inquiry say the committee has engaged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and questioned clearing agents, including those handling cargo destined for Sahelian countries.

One issue concerns trans-shipment containers temporarily stored at a port before being transported to their final destinations.

A source argued that such cargo should not automatically be deemed abandoned or subject to confiscation simply because it has remained at the port for an extended period. Shipping arrangements may require containers to be consolidated before onward transportation.

The source maintained that trans-shipment cargo must be distinguished from goods imported for domestic consumption and consignments awaiting onward transportation to landlocked countries.

Questions have also been raised about the procedures governing the confiscation and auction of uncleared cargo, including customs requirements, publication in the Government Gazette where applicable, and consultations with relevant institutions.

Reports are that some officials had sought to remove containers without following the required procedures.

The inquiry has also been drawn into allegations that an official identified as Elizabeth Agbenousi was pressured to sign documents relating to some containers.

A source claimed that the documents could have been used to justify or regularize the cargo’s movement, but there was no independent confirmation of the allegation.

The investigation was also expected to examine the respective responsibilities of port authorities, customs officials, and security agencies in monitoring cargo movements and preventing unauthorized removals.

The matter had gone before the Tema Regional Police Command, where preliminary arrests were made, but suspects were later granted police inquiry bail as investigations continue.

Any legal proceedings could intensify pressure on the authorities to account for the containers and clarify the circumstances surrounding their disappearance or movement.

The committee’s final findings are expected to establish whether the containers can be accounted for, whether customs procedures were followed, and whether any officials or private operators bear responsibility.