The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has attributed a delay in issuing a receipt for a passenger's customs duty to a temporary system failure. On October 3, Gifty Osei Bonsu arrived at the Accra International Airport on an Egypt Air flight and was referred for further examination after her luggage was selected for inspection. The inspection uncovered several items, including 20 pairs of new women's shoes, nine new women's dresses, 18 new men's shirts, and four new wigs.
The GRA assessed a customs duty of GH¢807.68 on the 20 pairs of shoes. However, due to a temporary unavailability of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), the processing of the payment and issuance of an official receipt was disrupted. As a result, Ms Bonsu deposited GH¢600 with the officers towards the payment, and a friend later deposited another GH¢200, bringing the total amount to GH¢800.
The GRA stated that after the passenger had left the airport, the system was restored, allowing the full assessed duty to be paid into its revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Limited on the same day. An official receipt was subsequently generated in Ms Bonsu's name. The Customs officers used their personal funds to cover the GH¢7.68 difference between the amount collected and the assessed duty.
The Authority acknowledged the delay in providing the service and apologized to Ms Bonsu for the inconvenience caused. The GRA assured the public that the transaction was undertaken in good faith and that the assessed duty was duly accounted for. The incident had raised allegations of extortion involving Customs officers.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the GRA has introduced alternative procedures to facilitate passenger services during system interruptions. Additionally, a review of the standard operating procedures governing Customs officers' engagement with travelers at the country's ports of entry has begun. The review will focus on professional communication, transparency in duty assessment and collection, and proper documentation of transactions.
The GRA is also developing an improved passenger-facing process to provide clearer information on Customs requirements, the calculation and payment of duties, and the channels available to passengers seeking clarification, challenging assessments, or lodging complaints. This process aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in Customs operations.
The Authority has assured the public that it is committed to providing efficient and transparent services. The GRA's statement emphasized that the assessed duty was duly accounted for and that the transaction was undertaken in good faith.
Key points
- The GRA cited a temporary system failure for the delay in issuing a receipt to a passenger for her customs duty.
- The Authority apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured the public that the transaction was undertaken in good faith.
- The GRA has introduced measures to prevent similar incidents, including alternative procedures during system interruptions and a review of standard operating procedures.
