Commissioner General of GRA warns against falsification of documents

The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, George Blankson has warned importers, traders, shipping agents and clearing agents who are in the habit of falsifying, faking or altering documents covering their consignments of goods imported into the country to desist from the practice.

A statement signed by the Commissioner General, said the illegal practice is done with the aim of evading the payment of the correct and appropriate duties and taxes.

The statement the documents include invoices, bills of lading, sales contracts, bank payment documents and even the customs classification and valuation reports.

The Commissioner General said the conduct constitutes an offence under the section 123 of the customs act 2015 (Act 891).

He warned that any importer, trader, shipping agent or clearing agent who is caught in this shall be sanctioned in accordance with section 121 of Act 891. The sanctions, according to the statement include forfeiture to the state of the goods in respect of which the offence is committed.

It also includes a fine of not more than two thousand, five hundred penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not more than five years or both.

The statement said where an officer of the customs division is found to have condoned and/or connived in the commission of an offence as referred to above, such officer shall be disciplined in accordance with the internal disciplinary procedures and where necessary such officer may also be prosecuted accordingly.