Thursday, 29 October 2026

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Thursday, 29 October 2026

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Ghanaian press · Organization

Customs Division

Also known as: Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority

Customs Division — unit of Ghana's Revenue Authority responsible for processing imports, exports, and cargo documentation; handling drug trafficking investigations through Ghana's ports.

2026-05-142026-10-29

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Customs Division

Every mention in the Ghanaian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
27 OctJoy Online
… She said Ghana would work with institutions including the Ghana Shippers Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and commercial banks to pilot the use of negotiable cargo documents. …
Ghana to review laws to implement Accra Convention – Ofosu-Adjare
26 OctJoy Online
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has urged importers, exporters and other actors in Ghana’s international trade ecosystem to minimise documentation errors, cautioning that inaccurate or incomplete declarations contribute significantly to delays in Customs …
Customs urges importers, exporters to minimise documentation errors to enhance efficiency
21 OctDaily Guide
… ber 2026 that there is no automatic rule or policy requiring travelers to pay customs duties simply for carrying more than two mobile phones into the country. “This official clarification followed a public uproar sparked by statements from the Commissioner of the Customs Division …
My Ghana Customs Nightmare Saga, Birthday Gift Held ‘Duty Hostage’, And SOS To GRA (1)
2 OctThe Chronicle
… Ten people, including four Customs Division officers, have also been held in connection with ongoing investigations, according to the Presidency. …
GACL tightens airport security screening
September 2026
29 SeptJoy Online
… The other four accused — Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi — are staff of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). …
Court denies bail to six accused in alleged 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment
29 SeptJoy Online
… The other four accused — Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi — are staff of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). …
Court denies bail to six accused in alleged 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment
28 SeptJoy Online
… She said the Human Trafficking Secretariat had, over the past three years, trained 1,750 officers from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Customs Division, in collaboration with development partners. …
Law enforcement officers trained to tackle emerging human trafficking threats
28 SeptJoy Online
… resident John Dramani Mahama had to chair a meeting with the country’s security chiefs following investigations into recent drug-trafficking cases involving Ghana’s port on 17 September 2026, where the Presidency said10 individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division …
Is Ghana safely becoming a narcotic transit coast?
22 SeptJoy Online
… The Commissioner General, Customs Division and the CID Boss, she has really displayed incompetence, all of them must be sacked.” Nana B further accused the government of shielding officials whose institutions are implicated in the security chain and called for decisive action to …
NPP demands immediate removal of institutional heads over cocaine trafficking cases
17 SeptJoy Online
… This follows the arrest of 10 individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), who are being held as investigations continue. …
Arrest all officials who handled cocaine-linked container – Nitiwul

Business

Ghana reviews laws to implement Accra Convention on cargo documents

The News

Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced that Ghana will review its laws to facilitate implementation of the Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, which introduces negotiable documents of title for goods in transit and allows businesses to use cargo as collateral for loans. The convention aims to address inequalities in access to credit, particularly for businesses transporting goods by road, and recognises electronic cargo documents as equivalent to paper-based versions.

27 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 27 October

Ghana reviews laws to implement Accra Convention on cargo documents
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced that Ghana will review its laws to facilitate implementation of the Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, which introduces negotiable documents of title for goods in transit and allows businesses to use cargo as collateral for loans. The convention aims to address inequalities in access to credit, particularly for businesses transporting goods by road, and recognises electronic cargo documents as equivalent to paper-based versions.
27 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 26 October

GRA Customs urges importers, exporters to reduce documentation errors
The Customs Division of Ghana's Revenue Authority has urged importers, exporters and trade actors to minimise documentation errors, warning that inaccurate or incomplete declarations delay Customs processing and increase business costs. Recurring problems include missing supporting documentation, data-entry errors in vehicle specifications, incomplete certificates of origin, and incorrect invoices and bills of lading.
26 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 21 October

Reader questions Ghana customs duty policies on phones, gifts
A Daily Guide reader describes recent encounters with Ghana Customs Service and Ghana Post, questioning whether there is an unannounced "duty payment offensive" or tax-net widening in Ghana. The piece references a GRA clarification from September 2026 stating there is no automatic rule requiring travelers to pay duties for carrying more than two mobile phones into the country, following a public uproar over statements by the Customs Commissioner.
21 October 2026 · Daily Guide →

Friday 2 October

GACL strengthens airport security with pre-screening checks
Ghana Airports Company Limited has introduced enhanced security screening at the airport's Departure Hall, with the Narcotics Control Commission conducting pre-screening checks using scanning machines and sniffer dogs before passengers proceed to check-in. The measure responds to heightened concern over narcotics trafficking, and passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure.
2 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 29 September

Court denies bail to six in 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment case
The Kwabenya Circuit Court has denied bail to six persons accused of involvement in shipping about 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine from Ghana to France. The judge ordered them to remain in custody, citing the nature of the alleged offence and considerations about whether they would stand trial or interfere with proceedings.
29 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Court denies bail to six in alleged 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment
The Kwabenya Circuit Court has denied bail to six persons accused of involvement in the shipment of about 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine from Ghana to France. The judge cited the nature of the alleged offence and concerns about whether the accused would stand trial or interfere with proceedings, despite defence arguments that the accused had cooperated with investigators and had health issues.
29 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 28 September

Law enforcement officers trained on human trafficking detection and response
Law enforcement officers from Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service and other institutions underwent a two-day capacity-building programme in Accra to strengthen their ability to detect, investigate and respond to human trafficking and emerging forms of exploitation, including migrant smuggling, child trafficking, labour trafficking and cyber-related crimes.
28 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana faces growing drug trafficking challenge, recent seizures reported
Ghana is grappling with a growing narcotics trafficking problem involving sophisticated networks that threaten national security, the economy, and international reputation. In March 2025, authorities intercepted approximately 3.3 tonnes of cocaine at Cape Coast, valued at more than US$350 million, among other significant narcotics seizures across the country's roads, ports and international gateways.
28 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 22 September

NPP calls for removal of institutional heads over cocaine seizure
The New Patriotic Party has demanded the immediate removal of heads of state institutions responsible for Ghana's ports, maritime security, narcotics control, intelligence and customs operations, following the interception by French customs of nearly 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10 in a container that had arrived from Ghana.
22 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 17 September

Arrest all officials who handled cocaine container, Nitiwul urges
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has called for the arrest of all officials involved in handling a container linked to drug trafficking through Ghana's ports, arguing that everyone in the chain of events must be questioned. He also called for the heads of supervising agencies to step aside during investigations and urged authorities to widen the probe to include other major drug seizures from the past year.
17 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama chairs security meeting, orders task force on drug trafficking
President John Dramani Mahama chaired a meeting of security chiefs on investigations into drug trafficking out of Ghana's ports, where ten individuals including four GRA Customs officers are being held. He has directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to present measures for preventing drug trafficking through Ghana's borders within two weeks.
17 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Former Defence Minister calls for GPHA CEO to step aside
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has called for Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Chief Executive Officer Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono to step aside during investigations into drug trafficking through Ghana's ports, following the seizure of cocaine in France linked to a container from Ghana. Nitiwul said supervisory heads must be removed from their positions to avoid compromising the investigation, which should extend beyond the individuals directly involved.
17 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Six suspects in custody as Ghana probes port drug trafficking
Ghana's government says six additional suspects are currently in custody assisting investigations into drug trafficking through the country's ports. Their identities have not been disclosed to avoid jeopardising ongoing investigations, according to Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
17 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama orders inter-agency task force on port drug trafficking
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap to prevent narcotics trafficking through Ghana's borders, following a meeting with security chiefs. Ten individuals, including four Customs Division officers, are being held in connection with investigations into recent drug trafficking cases.
17 September 2026 · The Chronicle →
Mahama orders task force roadmap on drug trafficking in two weeks
President John Mahama has directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop a detailed roadmap on measures to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana's borders, with two weeks to present findings. The directive follows a meeting with security chiefs and Ministers and investigations into the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs at the port of Dunkirk in a container from Ghana.
17 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ten held, including four Customs officers, in Ghana drug-trafficking probe
Ten individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, are being held as investigations continue into drug trafficking through Ghana's ports. President Mahama was briefed on the matter during a meeting with security chiefs and has directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop measures to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana's borders.
17 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 10 September

Ghana Customs clarifies duty rules for personal effects, luggage imports
The Ghanaian Times clarifies the legal basis for Ghana's Customs Commissioner's recent comments on duty exemptions for personal items and parcels, placing them in the context of Ghana's constitution, customs laws, and international WCO and WTO protocols.
10 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Tuesday 8 September

GRA warns Ghanaians against illegal use of foreign-registered vehicles
The Ghana Revenue Authority has warned against using foreign-registered vehicles to evade customs duties and taxes under the Temporary Vehicle Importation system, citing concerns that some Ghanaians are purchasing vehicles in ECOWAS countries and importing them under foreign registration without paying applicable duties.
8 September 2026 · Joy Online →
GRA Commissioner defends customs duty policy on airport gifts
The Commissioner of Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority clarified that items brought into Ghana as gifts do not automatically qualify for duty-free baggage concession under customs laws. Mr Aaron Kanor defended the Customs Division's position and urged the public to debate policies respectfully rather than attack officials for communicating positions deemed uncomfortable.
8 September 2026 · The Chronicle →

Thursday 3 September

Port inspection delays raise business costs, ICC Ghana warns
The International Chamber of Commerce Ghana states that delays in port inspection procedures are increasing the cost and time of doing business, and calls for stronger coordination among agencies involved in inspecting goods. The organisation recommends expanding the Authorised Economic Operator programme to reduce inspections for low-risk businesses with proven compliance records.
3 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 1 September

Opinion: waste trafficking harms Ghana's health and environment
A commentary examines waste trafficking in Ghana as a climate and health hazard, noting that while human activities contribute most post-industrial greenhouse gas emissions, Ghana and other African nations contribute less than 5% of global emissions.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Customs clarifies duty rules for gifted goods arriving in Ghana
A revenue officer at Accra International Airport has clarified that travellers bringing multiple bags of new clothing and other items as gifts must declare them and may be required to pay customs duties depending on the quantity, value, and nature of the goods, even though they are intended as gifts.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 27 August

Customs, port stakeholders address container delays at Tema
The Commissioner of Customs joined senior officials from GPHA, MPS, and other maritime and security agencies to address operational bottlenecks affecting container movement at Tema Port's MPS Terminal 3. Discussions focused on improving coordination, reducing congestion, and shortening cargo turnaround times.
27 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
National Peace Council urges civilian-security trust in border areas
The National Peace Council has called on civilians and security agencies in Tempane District border communities to deepen trust and information sharing to strengthen security and enable early response to emerging threats. The council organized a civilian-security dialogue with 200 participants and officials from multiple agencies, and donated three motorbikes to support security operations.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 22 August

CMC launches 24-hour cocoa operations to boost exports
The Cocoa Marketing Company has begun 24-hour operations at its cocoa takeover and export facilities to reduce delays and improve turnaround times, with three commitments: receiving cocoa around the clock (Offload 24), supplying local processing factories continuously (Load 24), and conducting inspection, sealing and documentation work beyond traditional hours (Export 24).
22 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 20 August

FDA records GH¢70m 2025 surplus amid equipment and illicit product concerns
Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority recorded a GH¢70 million surplus in 2025, up 51 per cent from GH¢46 million in 2024, with total assets rising to GH¢358 million and liabilities falling to GH¢3.4 million. The Authority identified ageing laboratory equipment and illicit products as ongoing public health concerns, while internally generated funds comprised 66 per cent of its GH¢420 million total revenue.
20 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Customs Commissioner visits Tema to strengthen revenue mobilisation
The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority paid an official working visit to the Tema Collection to strengthen revenue mobilisation and improve operational efficiency at the country's major port. He commended officers for meeting recent revenue targets and urged them to sustain momentum and surpass the annual revenue target.
20 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Thursday 13 August

GRA Commissioner praises Customs division revenue improvements
The Ghana Revenue Authority's Commissioner-General has commended the Customs Division for its steady improvement in revenue performance, attributing it to officer commitment and stronger coordination, and urged the division to sustain momentum while maintaining discipline and professional conduct.
13 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 7 August

GRA Customs Commissioner tours Western Region border posts
Aaron Kanor, the newly appointed Customs Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority, undertook a week-long tour of border posts in the Western Region's Elubo Sector to assess working conditions and strengthen stakeholder collaboration.
7 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Tyre burst triggers truck fire on Cape Coast–Takoradi road
A DAF truck transporting marble stones caught fire at Ayensudo on the Cape Coast–Takoradi Road on Wednesday, August 5, after one of its rear tyres burst. The fire was extinguished by firefighters with no injuries or deaths reported.
7 August 2026 · Joy Online →