GRA denies irregularities in perishable goods auctions
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) that perishable items are being auctioned improperly due to failure to adhere to statutory procedures.
According to a statement released by the Authority on Thursday, 28 August 2025, the IEAG’s assertions are “erroneous.”
The GRA emphasised that Section 53(3)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) allows for prompt disposal via public auction of perishable goods after 21 days of overstay, if unclaimed.
Contrary to the IEAG’s claim of a supposed 60-day grace period, the GRA clarified that such an allowance applies only to motor vehicles under Sections 55, 57, and 59 of the Act.
“It is therefore erroneous to indicate that importers have 60 days within which to clear perishable goods,” the Authority asserted.
The GRA further encouraged importers to utilise pre‑arrival clearance systems to mitigate delays and reduce charges, underscoring that its auction procedures are conducted with full transparency and within the confines of the law.
“This is not a matter of discretion. It is a matter of law,” the statement added.
The GRA further encouraged importers to utilise pre-arrival clearance systems to mitigate delays and reduce associated charges. It reaffirmed that all auction procedures are conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with the law.
“This is not a matter of discretion. It is a matter of law,” the statement concluded.
The IEAG had earlier issued a statement accusing Customs of operating a “mafia-style” auction system allegedly fuelled by foreign exchange shortages.
According to the Association, politically connected individuals were exploiting importers by reducing what they described as the statutory 60-day grace period to just 21 days, thereby enabling questionable auctions to proceed under opaque conditions.
The IEAG also alleged that Customs officials were bypassing the legally required gazetting process and unfairly imposing demurrage charges on importers, concerns the GRA has firmly denied.
