GRA seizes smuggled beverages over suspected tax evasion
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Division, on Friday launched an intensive operation to impound smuggled beverages suspected of evading excise taxes, as part of a nationwide clampdown on non-compliant retailers and manufacturers.
Before the exercise, Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Edward Appenteng Gyamera, told reporters that revenue from excise duties had dropped sharply since the beginning of 2025 due to an influx of untaxed products.
“We have seen a significant drop in excise tax in the last few months since the beginning of the year, and it is a result of this behaviour by some suppliers and manufacturers.
“Today’s exercise will focus on key parts of the market, after which we shall prepare and do a bigger operation targeting the manufacturers. We want to send a message to all beverage producers to ensure the right taxes are paid before releasing any product into the market,” Mr Gyamera said.
Friday’s swoop followed a distress call from Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, which had alerted authorities about imported beverages from other West African markets being sold locally without the required tax stamps.
The GRA taskforce moved through Accra’s Central Business District, including Tudu, Makola and the CMB area, searching shops and stalls for untaxed goods. Their market inspection confirmed widespread illegality.
Among the confiscated items were popular brands such as Malta Guinness, Beta Malt and several carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
The seized products were transported to the Customs warehouse, while affected shop owners were directed to report to the GRA on Monday for further investigation and possible sanctions.
Mr Gyamera emphasised that Friday’s action is only the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at both retailers and producers.
He hinted at larger follow-up operations targeting manufacturers who fail to comply with excise tax regulations.
The GRA maintains that excise duties are a vital revenue source for government programmes and that tax evasion undermines fair market competition and public finances.
