Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l February 23, 2026
The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has commended the Government and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the recent interception and confiscation of illegally imported vegetable oil consignments, describing the move as a decisive step toward protecting public revenue and safeguarding local industry.
In a press release read by its National President, Mr. Paul Kwabena Amaning, OPDAG praised the government and the Minister for Finance for what it termed a resolute stance against illicit trade practices that undermine market integrity and distort fair competition.
According to the Association, the enforcement action has uncovered widespread under-declaration of values, weights and tariff classifications, practices that have resulted in significant revenue losses to the state and unfair price advantages for illegal importers.
OPDAG noted that the continued influx of illicit vegetable oils poses a serious threat to Ghana’s edible oil value chain, which supports more than 500,000 people through direct and indirect employment across farming, processing, logistics, refining and distribution.
“These illicit practices discourage investment, erode food security and constitute economic sabotage against domestic agro-industrial development,” the statement said.
The Association further expressed concern that despite existing regulations, vegetable oil continues to enter the country through porous land borders and transit diversion routes, exploiting weak enforcement systems and regulatory loopholes.
It pointed to inadequate customs reference pricing, abuse of transit regimes, and corruption and control weaknesses at ports and borders as persistent challenges undermining revenue mobilisation efforts.
OPDAG called for sustained zero-tolerance enforcement against illegal imports, including intensified border surveillance and prosecution of offenders. It also urged government to restrict vegetable oil imports exclusively to seaports, with a strict prohibition on land border entry.
Other recommendations include aligning customs reference pricing with prevailing international market prices to curb under-invoicing, strengthening transit controls through financial guarantees and real-time digital tracking, and introducing a national traceability and tax stamp system to ensure tax compliance.
The Association also appealed for responsible management of confiscated vegetable oil, suggesting that seized products be channelled into national buffer stock arrangements rather than auctioned at discounted prices that could further distort the market.
OPDAG reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government and regulatory agencies to protect national revenue, preserve jobs and promote a fair and sustainable vegetable oil industry in Ghana.
