The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is embroiled in a corruption scandal, with allegations that officials are colluding with smugglers to evade duties on imported goods, including oil palm products.
Paul Kwabena Amaning, President of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, asserts that corruption is widespread within the GRA, with an estimated 80-90% of officials allegedly involved.
According to Amaning, GRA officials are compromising the integrity of the revenue collection system by allowing smuggled goods to enter the country, thereby depriving the state of revenue.The association claims that officials are demanding bribes to facilitate the importation of contraband goods.
Furthermore, a recent directive by the Finance Minister to restrict imports through land borders has been undermined by GRA officials.
The association is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter and a comprehensive restructuring of the GRA.
Amaning emphasized that "They don't have Ghana at heart, they just want to make money." He added, "The finance minister needs to step up and get a system that will work. We are losing billions of cedis in revenue due to corruption." The association is urging the government to take decisive action to address the corruption and hold GRA officials accountable.
