Ghana Revenue Authority apologizes for airport customs payment error

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued an apology following allegations of extortion involving a passenger at Kotoka International Airport. The incident occurred on October 3, 2026, after Gifty Osei Bonsu arrived on an EgyptAir flight.

Upon inspection, Customs officers assessed a duty of GH¢807.68 on items including shoes, dresses, shirts, and wigs. However, the Integrated Customs Management System was temporarily down, preventing the issuance of an official receipt. Due to time constraints, Ms. Bonsu provided GH¢800 in cash—GH¢600 from herself and GH¢200 from a friend—to cover the assessment.

A preliminary investigation by the GRA confirmed that the funds reached the revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Ltd on the same day. The Authority stated that Customs officers used their personal funds to cover the GH¢7.68 shortfall to ensure the full assessment was met. The GRA has promised to implement new procedures to prevent similar system-related issues in the future.