Ghana Revenue Authority clarifies Kotoka Airport customs payment

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has addressed allegations of extortion at Kotoka International Airport involving passenger Gifty Osei Bonsu. Following a preliminary investigation, the GRA stated that a customs duty of GH₵807.68, assessed on October 3, was successfully paid into the state's revenue account.

The incident occurred after Ms. Bonsu was directed to the Red Channel for inspection, where customs officers identified 20 pairs of new women's shoes, nine dresses, 18 men's shirts, and four wigs. The duty was assessed specifically on the shoes. Due to the temporary unavailability of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), officers were unable to issue an official receipt at the time of payment.

To expedite the process before her flight, Ms. Bonsu deposited GH₵600, and a friend contributed an additional GH₵200. Once the ICUMS platform was restored, the full GH₵807.68 was processed via Ecobank Ghana Limited. The GRA noted that customs officers personally covered the GH₵7.68 shortfall to complete the transaction.