Customs lost GH¢2bn in 2018 to unlawful port activities – GRA

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has blamed its inability to meet the 2018 revenue target on unlawful operations at the ports.

The Authority fell short of about GH¢2 billion in 2018, mainly through transit trade.

The GRA, however, said it is upbeat about meeting its target for this year, stressing that 2019 would be an action year.

Speaking in an interview with Class Business News on how to achieve its target this year, the Commissioner of Customs at GRA, Isaac Crenstil, said the Special Prosecutor will deal with GRA officials found to be conniving with traders to divert transit goods.

He said: “When you look at our revenue figures that we had in 2018, we lost much because Customs, as a division within Ghana Revenue Authority, fell short of about 2 billion and 70 per cent is attributed to transiting.

“So, from the beginning of the year, we decided to engage all the stakeholders so that we are able to put in all the necessary Customs controls.

“Going forward, when we find out that you are in transit, when we find out that you and the freight forwarder are colluding to transit, we’ll hand you over to the Special Prosecutor.”