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3 clusters · 6 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Ghana Revenue Authority airport extortion investigation

Overview

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) initiated an investigation into allegations of extortion at Kotoka International Airport following a social media video. The incident involved passenger Gifty Osei Bonsu, who arrived on an EgyptAir flight on October 3, 2026.

Upon inspection in the Red Channel, customs officers assessed a duty of GH¢807.68 on items including 20 pairs of new women’s shoes, nine dresses, 18 men’s shirts, and four wigs. The GRA clarified that the duty was assessed specifically on the shoes. Due to a temporary failure of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), officers were unable to issue an official receipt at the time of inspection.

To expedite the process, Ms. Bonsu provided GH¢600 in cash, supplemented by GH¢200 from a friend. The GRA confirmed that once the ICUMS platform was restored, the full GH¢807.68 was processed and reached the revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Ltd on the same day. The authority noted that customs officers used their own funds to cover a GH¢7.68 shortfall to ensure the full assessment was met. The GRA has committed to implementing new procedures to prevent similar system-related issues.

Entities

Ghana Revenue Authority · Gifty Osei Bonsu · Kotoka International Airport · Accra International Airport · Ecobank Ghana Ltd

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Ghana Revenue Authority clarifies Kotoka Airport customs payment

    The Ghana Revenue Authority confirmed that a customs duty of GH₵807.68 paid at Kotoka International Airport reached state coffers, despite a system failure that prevented an immediate receipt.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ghana Revenue Authority apologizes for airport customs payment error

    The Ghana Revenue Authority apologized after a system failure at Kotoka International Airport prevented a passenger from receiving a receipt for a GH¢800 customs duty payment.

  3. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Ghana Revenue Authority probes airport extortion allegations

    The Ghana Revenue Authority is investigating allegations that a customs officer at Accra International Airport extorted GH¢600 from a passenger without issuing a receipt.

Sources

chale.news · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · thechronicle.com.gh · theghanareport.com · thehighstreetjournal.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history