The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) that Customs officials failed to follow due process in the auction of perishable goods at the ports.

The clarification follows a press release by the IEAG, in which it accused Customs of irregular auction practices that it claimed disadvantaged importers and eroded confidence in port operations.

In a statement, the Authority stated that the allegations were “erroneous” and clarified that the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), outlines clear rules for handling both perishable and non-perishable goods.

According to the GRA, Section 53(3)(a) of the Act allows a Proper Officer to immediately dispose of perishable goods through public auction after 21 days of overstay.

“It is therefore erroneous to indicate that importers have 60 days within which to clear perishable goods,” the statement stressed.

The Authority explained that while perishable goods are subject to 21 days, motor vehicles are treated differently. “Under Sections 55, 57, and 59 of the Customs Act, vehicles are given 60 days for valuation and clearance,” it said.

The GRA further encouraged importers to take advantage of the pre-cargo arrival clearance system, which allows them to pay duties before cargo arrives, though additional charges may apply if discrepancies are detected during inspection.

Reassuring the public of its commitment to fairness and transparency, the Authority added, “GRA adheres strictly to the relevant Customs laws and procedures while upholding our values of fairness, integrity, responsiveness, service, and teamwork.”