By Akosua Frema Frempong
The Head of Monitoring and Surveillance Unit of the Post Clearance Audit, Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Evans Teye Agbozo, has advised importers and exporters to refrain from engaging in unlawful practices to reduce duty payments, as they may face consequences during the Post Clearance Audit process.
He emphasised that the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority is aware of such acts and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the state receives the appropriate revenue it is owed.
Mr. Agbozo gave the advice at a forum in Kumasi organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority for importers, exporters, and other stakeholders in the industry.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority organised the forum in response to frequent complaints from importers regarding the financial inconveniences they face after undergoing the post-clearance audit conducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The objective of the post-clearance audit is to verify the accuracy of the information provided by importers or exporters during the customs clearance process. It identifies any errors, omissions, or irregularities in customs declarations, such as incorrect valuation, misclassification of goods, inaccurate determination of origin, or inconsistencies in quantities or weights.
This process is carried out by customs authorities to ensure compliance with customs laws, regulations, and procedures. Participants at the forum were drawn from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions.
The Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Branch Manager of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, John Glover, entreated participants to propose innovative ways the Authority can improve its operations.
Speaking in an interview, the Head of the Monitoring and Surveillance Unit of the Post Clearance Audit, Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority, Evans Teye Agbozo, explained that the forum was to help shippers gain in-depth knowledge of the Post Clearance Audit, which is mandated by law.
The Chief Executive Officer for the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Madam Benonita Bismark, stated that the Authority’s aim is to ensure that importers and exporters are well-informed to avoid actions that may lead to future difficulties.
