The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that its Customs officers extorted money from a traveller who paid GH¢12,690.63 in duties upon arriving at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The Authority insists the officers acted professionally and that the payment was lawful and properly receipted.
In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the GRA said the traveller arrived at KIA on December 5 carrying eighteen mobile phones and various accessories that exceeded the personal concession permitted under the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083).
The items were not declared upon arrival, triggering the standard duty assessment process.
According to the Authority, a Bill of Entry (BOE No. 41225803295) was issued, and the traveller was required to pay the applicable duties through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), after which an official receipt was provided.
“Contrary to the allegations on social media, Customs officers did not extort any money from the traveller,” the GRA stated. It further clarified that the traveller “was neither detained nor were his goods confiscated,” rejecting claims of unfair treatment.
The Authority extended empathy to the traveller over his “unpleasant experience” but stressed that the facts had been misrepresented online. It maintained that the Customs Division at KIA followed due process and applied standard procedures applicable to all travellers found with goods in commercial quantities.
GRA used the incident to remind the public of the importance of voluntary declaration of dutiable items, urging travellers to “declare and pay duty voluntarily if they carry items in commercial quantities” and to contact Customs officers on arrival should they have any concerns.
The Authority said it remains committed to transparent, fair and efficient service delivery at all ports of entry and encouraged the public to “know our taxes, pay our taxes and help build Ghana.”
