Ghana Revenue Authority denies extortion over GH₵807.68 airport duty

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially dismissed allegations suggesting that Customs officers stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) engaged in extortion while processing duty for a passenger. Following a preliminary investigation into the matter, the Authority confirmed that the transaction in question was handled according to standard procedures and that the required funds were properly accounted for within the state's revenue systems. The GRA emphasized that transparency and accountability remain core to its operations at the country's ports of entry. The controversy centered on a duty assessment of GH₵807.68 levied against goods brought in by a traveler. While claims circulated that officers had improperly solicited or handled the money, the GRA's internal review established a clear and different sequence of events. According to the investigation, the exact amount of GH₵807.68 assessed on the passenger's items was paid in full directly into the Authority’s official revenue account. Records indicate that the payment was completed on the same day the assessment was made, contradicting any claims of financial irregularities or private settlements. This confirmation was supported by digital payment trails used by the Customs Division. The GRA’s swift response to these allegations highlights the sensitive nature of revenue collection at Ghana’s primary gateway. By providing specific details regarding the transaction amount and the timeline of payment, the Authority aims to reassure the public of the integrity of its electronic and manual payment systems. This incident underscores the GRA's ongoing efforts to maintain transparency at the airport and to protect the reputation of its staff against unverified reports of misconduct. Moving forward, the Authority encourages the public to use designated channels for reporting any genuine grievances regarding customs processes.