According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), a customs duty of GH¢807.68 assessed on a passenger's luggage at the Accra International Airport was properly accounted for, despite allegations of extortion involving Customs officers. The GRA stated that a preliminary investigation into the incident involving Gifty Osei Bonsu revealed that a temporary system failure disrupted the payment process, preventing the immediate issuance of an official receipt. Ms. Bonsu arrived on October 3 and her luggage was selected for inspection, revealing items including shoes, dresses, shirts, and wigs. While GH¢807.68 was assessed on the shoes, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) was down. Ms. Bonsu deposited GH¢600, and a friend later added GH¢200, totaling GH¢800. The GRA confirmed that the full duty was paid into the Authority's revenue account on the same day after the system was restored, and an official receipt was generated. Customs officers reportedly used personal funds to cover the GH¢7.68 difference. The GRA apologized for the inconvenience caused by the delay and assured the public that the transaction was conducted in good faith. The Authority is reviewing its procedures for engaging with travellers during system interruptions to enhance professional communication, transparency, and documentation.
Update (08:30 GMT): MyJoy News also reported on this story under the headline "GRA blames system failure for delay in issuing receipt over passenger’s customs duty". Read the MyJoy News report.