The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed social media claims that Customs officers at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) extorted money from a traveller who paid GH¢12,690.63 as import duty on 18 mobile phones and accessories.
In a statement dated Thursday, December 11, the Authority said the viral posts misrepresent the facts of the incident.
According to the GRA, the traveller arrived on December 5, 2025, carrying dutiable items far above the allowable personal concession under the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083). The items—18 mobile phones and assorted accessories—were also not declared upon arrival.
Customs officials subsequently processed a Bill of Entry (BOE No. 41225803295) and the traveller paid the required duties through the ICUMS platform, after which an official receipt was issued.
The Authority stressed that at no point was the traveller detained or his goods seized.
“Contrary to the allegations on social media, Customs officers did not extort any money from the traveller,” the statement said, adding that officers “acted professionally and within the law.”
The GRA encouraged all travellers carrying commercial quantities of goods to voluntarily declare them and seek clarification from Customs officers at the airport when necessary.
The statement reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to offering transparent and efficient service at all points of entry.
Read below the statement
