The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has pushed back strongly against claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) that Customs breached procedures in the auction of perishable goods at the ports.
In a statement, the Authority stressed that all processes strictly comply with the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), describing the allegations as unfounded.
According to the GRA, Section 53(3)(a) of the Act permits a Proper Officer to dispose of perishable goods by public auction after 21 days of overstay. This is meant to safeguard both the value of the goods and the health of consumers.
Vehicles, on the other hand, are treated differently. Under Sections 55, 57, and 59 of the Act, importers are granted up to 60 days to clear motor vehicles, not perishable cargo.
“It is therefore erroneous to suggest that importers have 60 days within which to clear perishable goods,” the Authority clarified.
The GRA urged importers to take advantage of the pre-arrival clearance plan, a tool that allows declarations and duty payments before cargo lands at the ports. This, it noted, helps avoid delays that may lead to auction processes.
Reassuring the public, the Authority said it remains committed to the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency in the discharge of its mandate.
“We uphold the values of fairness, integrity, responsiveness, service and teamwork, and will continue to apply the law without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The Authority also advised stakeholders to seek clarification directly from Customs to avoid misinformation that could undermine public confidence.
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