GRA clarifies GH¢807.68 airport duty payment after alleged extortion

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) defended the handling of a customs duty payment at Accra International Airport after allegations of extortion against Customs officers. According to a statement released on October 9, 2026, preliminary investigations revealed that a temporary system failure prevented Customs officers from immediately issuing an official receipt for the transaction.

Passengers Gifty Osei Bonsu arrived on an Egypt Air flight on October 3 and her luggage was selected for inspection. The examination uncovered 20 pairs of shoes, nine dresses, 18 men's shirts and four wigs, leading Customs to assess a duty of GH¢807.68 on the shoes. The passenger initially paid GH¢600, followed by GH¢200 from a friend, totaling GH¢800.

The system was restored after she left the airport, allowing the full duty to be paid into the GRA's revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Limited on the same day. An official receipt was issued in her name. Customs officers used their personal funds to cover the remaining GH¢7.68. The GRA apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public that the transaction was conducted in good faith.

They acknowledged the delay and have introduced alternative arrangements to support passenger services during system interruptions. The Authority is also reviewing its standard operating procedures for Customs officers dealing with travellers and developing an improved passenger information process to provide clearer guidance on customs requirements, duty calculation and payment methods, and channels for passengers to seek clarification or lodge complaints.