The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated a full internal investigation into growing allegations of extortion involving some members of the Customs Division Task Force in the Ashanti Region. The move follows concerns raised by the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) over what they describe as unlawful demands imposed on importers transporting goods to Kumasi.
The allegations centre on payments reportedly made after the task force intercepted containers en route to the region, claiming undervaluation and demanding additional sums. According to TAGG, the importer at the centre of the complaint insisted the payments were unjustified and amounted to extortion.
Responding to the issue, the GRA said it has taken immediate steps to establish the facts behind the claims. In its statement, the Authority stressed that it “has taken note of recent allegations made by the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) concerning extortion activities allegedly carried out by some officers of the Customs Division Task force operating in the Ashanti Region.”
The Authority further emphasised that the allegations would not be treated lightly, adding that it “has commenced an internal investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts,” assuring stakeholders that the probe “will be comprehensive, and the general public informed about the outcome as soon as it is concluded.”
Reaffirming confidence in its internal systems, GRA noted that maintaining public trust remains central to its mandate. As stated in the release, the Authority “remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity of its staff and transparency in our operations to ensure accountability and fairness.”
The GRA is also encouraging traders, importers and the public to cooperate by formally reporting any such incidents. Urging stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to sanitize its operations, it said: “We therefore urge all stakeholders and the general public to support these efforts by reporting such malpractices through our established channels.”
