By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says customs duty of GH¢807.68 assessed on a passenger’s goods at the Accra International Airport on October 3 was paid into its revenue account.
The Authority said a preliminary investigation into allegations of extortion involving Customs officers and passenger Ms Gifty Osei Bonsu established that the transaction was accounted for, although she left the airport without an official receipt.
In a statement, the GRA said Ms Bonsu arrived aboard an Egypt Air flight at 1248 hours and was referred to the Red Channel for further examination following risk selection and scanning.
The examination revealed 20 pairs of new women’s shoes, nine new women’s dresses, 18 new men’s shirts and four new wigs. Duty of GH¢807.68 was assessed on the shoes.
The GRA said the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) was temporarily unavailable, preventing immediate payment processing and the issuance of an official receipt.
It said Ms Bonsu, who indicated that she had a flight to catch, deposited GH¢600 towards the duty, while a friend subsequently paid another GH¢200.
The Authority said the system was restored and the payment completed after Ms Bonsu had left the airport.
It said the full amount was paid into its revenue account through Ecobank Ghana Limited at about 1657 hours that day, under receipt number 2610033274.
“The Customs officers used their personal funds to cover the GH¢7.68 difference between the amount deposited and the assessed duty,” it added.
The GRA apologised to Ms Bonsu for the delay and said it had introduced alternative procedures to ensure transparent and accountable service during system interruptions.
It said a review of Customs standard operating procedures at the country’s ports of entry was also underway, focusing on communication, duty assessments and transaction documentation.
The Authority said it would intensify public education on dutiable goods, duty calculations, payment procedures and passenger concessions, while improving channels for travellers to seek clarification, request assessment reviews or lodge complaints.
It urged passengers carrying dutiable goods to insist on assessment notices, pay through approved channels and obtain official receipts for all transactions.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Email: [email protected]