“Government Officials Are Refusing To Undergo Checks At Airport”

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated investigations into recent reports in the media that some government officials have refused to undergo customs checks at the country’s entry points.

“Without prejudice to the outcome of the on-going investigations,
the GRA asserts that in line with the directive by President John
Evans Atta Mills, government officials to make themselves available to
be searched at the Kotoka International Airport,” the GRA said in a
statement issued in Accra on Thursday by Mr Francis Kofi Andoh, Deputy
Commissioner, Communication and Public Affairs.

It said: “GRA on the other hand rather acknowledges that
generally travellers who are ignorant of their obligations to pay
taxes on specified goods particularly those in commercial quantities
often resort to verbal exchanges with customs staff.”

“These matters are always settled when the necessary explanations
and information are provided to such enraged clients. GRA is, however,
pursuing investigations on other aspects of the story while it
continues to provide professional, courteous service to all clients
without fear or favour,” it added.

The statement said the GRA assured the taxpayer and the public
of its commitment to mobilise, account for and protect the national
revenue, while ensuring professional service delivery by the
disciplined staff.