The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its officers extorted money from a traveller who was made to pay GH¢12,690.63 as duty on mobile phones and accessories at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

In a statement issued on Thursday, December 11, the Authority said the widely shared allegations were “inaccurate” and did not reflect the actual events.

According to the GRA, the traveller arrived at KIA on December 5 carrying 18 mobile phones and various accessories, items classified as dutiable because they exceeded the allowable personal concessions under the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083).

A Bill of Entry was issued, and duty was processed and paid through the official Customs platform, ICUMS, after which a receipt was given.

The Authority stated that no officer demanded or collected any unofficial payments, nor was the traveller detained or his goods seized. Rather, Customs officers followed standard procedures applicable to any traveller arriving with goods in commercial quantities.

While expressing empathy over the traveller’s dissatisfaction with the experience, the GRA encouraged the public to declare all dutiable items on arrival and seek clarification from Customs officers when necessary.

It reiterated its commitment to transparent and efficient service delivery at all ports of entry and urged citizens to “know our taxes, pay our taxes and help build Ghana.”