IEAG demands end to GRA–NIA impasse to save ports
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) is calling on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to swiftly resolve their ongoing standoff, warning that the situation could seriously disrupt cargo clearance and port operations across the country.
This follows the GRA’s recent disconnection from the NIA’s Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform, a development that has raised alarm among key players in the maritime trade and logistics sectors.
Speaking at the association’s 11th anniversary celebration and the launch of its new website, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit stressed the need for immediate collaboration between the two state institutions to avoid potential economic setbacks.
“The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana urges the leadership of the Ghana Revenue Authority to take pragmatic steps to resolve this issue amicably with the NIA,” he said.
Mr. Awingobit further cautioned that continued friction could significantly affect port efficiency and business continuity.
“If the NIA proceeds with deleting its data from the GRA server, it could severely disrupt port operations,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the GRA has refuted claims by the NIA that it owes the authority over GHS376 million, a claim the NIA says triggered the disconnection from its platform.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 5, the GRA said it was surprised by the NIA’s accusations, describing the alleged debt as lacking proper regulatory and governance approval to be deemed valid.
The GRA clarified that the amount in question stems from legacy transactions dating back to engagements before 2025 and insists these were never formally ratified.
