The Deputy Ashanti Regional Commander, Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Evans Teye Agbozo, has cautioned importers and exporter against the practice of bypassing systems to avoid paying all required duties.
Mr Agbozo said those who engaged in such acts would be caught during a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and would be made to pay the differences.
He was speaking at a seminar on PCA organised by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 18.
His comments were in response to complaints from importers and exporters regarding the financial inconveniences they faced after undergoing the PCA by the GRA.
PCA is the systematic examination and verification of Customs declarations, supporting documents, and related records after goods have been released from Customs control.
The process is carried out by Customs authorities to ensure compliance with Customs laws, regulations, and procedures.
The objective is to verify the accuracy and correctness of the information provided by importers or exporters during the Customs clearance process.
It also aims to identify any errors, omissions, or irregularities in customs declarations, such as incorrect valuation, misclassification of goods, inaccurate determination of origin, or discrepancies in quantities or weights.
Mr Agbozo explained that during a PCA, Customs authorities may select specific transactions for review or conduct random checks on a sample basis.
"They will scrutinise relevant documents, including invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, contracts, and financial records, all in the quest to assess the accuracy and authenticity of the provided information."
Mr. Agbozo emphasised that the Customs Division of the GRA was aware of the malpractices in the duty payments and would take all necessary measures to ensure that the State received the appropriate revenue due it.
The Chief Executive Officer, GSA, Ms Benonita Bismarck, in her keynote address, stated that the Authority's aim was to ensure that importers and exporters were well informed to avoid misunderstanding between the parties.
"We are here today to gain a better understanding of the Customs PCA regime and how to comply without disadvantaging the shipper, while also ensuring that the government receives the appropriate revenue generated from the businesses of our shippers," she said.
Latest Stories
-
Man remanded for allegedly stabbing businessman with broken bottle and screwdriver
19 mins -
Population in Kumasi Central Prison surges to 1800, threefold exceeding capacity
29 mins -
NPP to conduct La Dadekotopon parliamentary primary today
29 mins -
KPMG’s report on GRA and SML deal, government white paper on report and matters arising
30 mins -
I won’t reply to Chris Brown tour criticism – Ayra Star
32 mins -
British Columbia to back off drug decriminalisation project
40 mins -
Veteran commentator Joe Lartey Sr dies at 96
41 mins -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses KPMG report on SML deal, ILO on SSNIT reserves and NDC’s running mate
1 hour -
Ghanaian activist hugs over 1,100 trees in an hour to set Guinness World Records
1 hour -
Mathew Anim Cudjoe’s Dundee United promoted to Scottish Premiership after Championship win
1 hour -
NSMQ star Jochebed Adwoa Sutherland sweeps 12 awards at UG Vice-Chancellor’s Ceremony
2 hours -
Ghana’s Education Quality ranked 125 out of 183 countries in latest Global Youth Development Index
2 hours -
Emma Stone wants people to use her real first name
3 hours -
Verna Purified Water emerges as ultimate winner at Ghana Beverage Awards 2023
3 hours -
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Sundowns, Esperance join Al Ahly and Wydad as CAF representatives
6 hours