Customs Extortion Allegations Spark Trader Protests in Ghana
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has launched a scathing attack on the Ghana Customs Task Force in the Ashanti Region, accusing them of systematic extortion and harassment. The group's General Secretary, Nana Poku, revealed that the task force, initially set up for post-clearance checks, has now become a tool for illegal revenue collection. Poku's statement at a press conference in Accra on Monday was backed by a specific case involving an officer named Prince Daniels Mensah Odai.
According to TAGG, Odai intercepted two containers bound for Kumasi in October, despite the importer having already cleared four containers and paid duties at Tema. The officer initially demanded 120,000 cedis per 40-foot container, later settling for 40,000 cedis, which was reportedly paid through mobile money and cash. TAGG claims Odai paid the money into government accounts after the incident was reported, suggesting an attempt to cover his tracks.
TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng questioned the necessity of an additional task force when Customs already has systems for proper valuation and duty collection. He suggested that the task force model encourages field officers to inflate recovery figures, while traders suffer delays, increased costs, and intimidation. Amoateng warned that this situation undermines public confidence in government institutions.
The advocacy group presented four demands: an investigation into the allegations against Odai and broader task force operations, a comprehensive audit of Customs task forces, transparent valuation procedures to eliminate extortion, and an independent channel for traders to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
TAGG represents thousands of traders across Ghana, many of whom import goods through Tema Port. The group has previously raised concerns about Customs practices, but this latest escalation demands urgent attention. The National Cross Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA) also expressed similar worries about growing intimidation by Customs officers, focusing on the misuse of Post Clearance Audit procedures.
Both groups emphasize the potential erosion of trust between the business community and government, disruption of trading operations, and economic harm if these issues are not addressed. TAGG urges the new administration to learn from past governance mistakes that contributed to the previous government's electoral defeat, highlighting the importance of fair and transparent trading environments.
