The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed viral social media allegations accusing Customs officers at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) of extortion and unfair treatment after a traveller was charged GH¢12,690.63 in import duties.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Authority said the circulating narrative distorted key facts, although it acknowledged the traveller’s dissatisfaction with the process.
According to the GRA, the traveller arrived on December 5, 2025, carrying 18 mobile phones and multiple electronic accessories—quantities that fall well outside the permissible personal concession under the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083). The items also were not declared upon arrival.
Customs officers, in accordance with procedure, issued a Bill of Entry (BOE No. 41225803295) and processed the goods through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), after which an official receipt covering the assessed duty was provided.
The Authority stressed that no officer demanded any unofficial payment and that no form of extortion occurred. It clarified that the traveller was neither detained nor deprived of his goods, and that all actions taken matched the standard treatment for travellers transporting goods in commercial quantities.
“All actions taken were consistent with customs regulations and the laws governing imports,” the statement noted.
The GRA used the incident to remind the public—especially frequent travellers—to declare all dutiable items and seek guidance from Customs officers when carrying commercial-scale goods. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, professional, and efficient service delivery at all ports of entry.
