On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, a collaborative taskforce, including the Tree Crop Development Authority, the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and National Security, initiated efforts to clamp down on illicitly traded vegetable oil in the Ghanaian market.
Eight shops were targeted during the operation, facing closure for allegedly vending smuggled vegetable oil, while certain shop attendants were detained for further investigation.
Commencing in the Greater Accra Region, the taskforce scrutinized establishments in Kasoa, Mallam Market, McCarthy Hill, and Adabraka.
In McCarthy Hill, Perfect End Logistics was directed to halt operations over suspected smuggled vegetable oil, despite claims of local production by shop attendants.
Taskforce leader Paul Amaning stressed the importance of verifying legitimate importation, citing “Made in Malaysia” markings on the products.
At Kasoa New Market, retailers, blaming suppliers, underwent similar scrutiny, expressing concerns about the scarcity of locally produced vegetable oil.
In a parallel operation at the same market, three shop attendants were apprehended by the National Security taskforce for attempting to withhold the key to a shop containing smuggled vegetable oil.
The taskforce, while shutting down one shop in Mallam Market, proceeded to Adabraka, where shop attendants insisted on the local origin of their products despite “Made in Indonesia” markings. They voiced concerns about the impact of the shop closure on their employees, emphasizing the need to address such issues.