Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 14, Dr Forson said the coordinated operation, led particularly by the Preventive Division of Customs, will mark a renewed government commitment to tackling the long?standing challenge of illicit trade.

He underscored the threat posed by smuggling, which he stated undermines the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts while placing local businesses at a competitive disadvantage. “

Smuggling affects the country in many ways, leading to revenue loss and other issues. We have to find a way to stop it,” he stressed.

Outlining the government’s planned enforcement approach, the Minister said smugglers will face stricter sanctions under the new regime. “The best way to deal with it is when you catch them, do not give them their goods. Confiscate and sell. When they lose their capital, the information will go out there, and they will stop,” he stated.

According to him, the survival of local businesses depends heavily on curbing the influx of illegal goods that distort market prices and weaken domestic production. “Smuggling is not making the work of local businesses survive. We have to fight smuggling,” he added.