National Security Task Force in a joint operation led by the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana and the Tree Crop Development Authority have raided fake oil stores in Kasoa and part of Accra.
The collaborative task force commenced its operation in the early hours of Tuesday within the Mallam-Gbewa municipal assembly.
It formed part of a nationwide operation initiated to apprehend smugglers of unapproved vegetable oil sellers in the market.
Their first major success came as they closed down Perfect End Logistics, seizing thousands of gallons of vegetable oil labeled as “Virgin Chef.”
Despite claims that the oil was locally produced, further investigation revealed that it was actually manufactured in Malaysia and illegally imported into Ghana.
The operation extended to Kasoa New Market, resulting in the closure of various shops where Choice, Aicha, White Lilly, Ami, Kingsam, and Mr. Cursin from Golden Future Impex at Adabraka are sold.
Some sellers were apprehended for non-compliance with the operation.
Mr. Paul Amaning, the coordinator of the Task Force, explained that a government directive since November last year mandated all imported vegetable oils to pass through both Tema and Takoradi ports. Oils crossing the land borders were declared illegal.
Mr Amaning expressed concern over the prevalence of smuggling, citing a threat to over 8,000 jobs in the industry, including farmers, millers, producers, and manufacturers.
He emphasized that only four brands – Kings Oil, Frytol, Hayat, and Golden Drop – are legal and approved for consumption in Ghana.
However, during the operation across Kasoa, Mallam Market, and Adabraka in Accra, none of these approved brands were found, indicating a significant influx of smuggled oils in the market.
“I was so surprised not to see even one made in Ghana vegetable oil which tells that the market is flooded with smuggled oil which is very bad. That one, the security agencies, and customs of GRA have to sit up. As a coordinator, I can tell you frankly that they are not doing their job at all.”
“Some of these oils are not for consumption they are for soap production that is we want Ghanaians to know that smuggled oils are certified and when they continue to consume them their health is at stake”, he said.
As 8 shops were closed at the end of the day, Mr. Amaning stated that they would be handed over to GRA for legal action to be taken against them.
He urged Ghanaians to be vigilant and avoid consuming smuggled vegetable oils, cautioning that some of these oils may not be fit for consumption and could pose health risks.
The coordinator called for increased vigilance from security agencies and customs to curb the smuggling activities jeopardizing both the economy and public health.
