At the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, we are deeply concerned by the escalating impasse between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA). At the root of the disruption is the NIA’s disconnection of the GRA from its Identity Verification Service (IVS), a vital system for confirming taxpayer identities and preventing cargo clearance bottlenecks CitiNewsroom.comGhanaWeb.
This schism stems from a claim by the NIA that the GRA owes GH¢376 million in arrears—an allegation the GRA has categorically denied, describing it as based on “legacy liabilities” predating 2025, without formal regulatory sanction or approval GhanaWebHot Digital Onlineghanawebbers.com.
At our 11th-anniversary commemoration and the launch of our refreshed website, our Executive Secretary, Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He warned that deletion of NIA data from GRA’s servers could cripple port operations, disrupt cargo clearance, and severely harm maritime trade efficiency Hot Digital OnlineModern GhanaCitiNewsroom.com.
Mr. Awingobit described the feud as “needless and unhealthy,” calling on the Ministries of Finance and Interior to convene the CEOs of both agencies for immediate resolution. He stressed this is not a private dispute—it involves two critical state institutions whose friction undermines national economic stability CitiNewsroom.com.
What’s at Stake?
- Port congestion and unbearable demurrage fees if identifications aren’t swiftly verified.
- Revenue losses and mounting commercial frustrations among freight forwarders and importers.
- Disruption of trade flows that could compromise Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global supply chains.
Our Call to Action
We urge:
- Swift dialogue and reconciliation between the GRA and NIA leadership.
- Ministerial intervention from the Finance and Interior desks to fast-track a mutually agreeable solution.
- Transparency and accountability in determining the legitimacy of the claimed GH¢376 million debt.
At IEAG, we stand ready to support pragmatic, cooperative solutions that uphold the integrity of Ghana’s trade infrastructure. Every day of inaction deepens risk—not just for our members, but for the entire economy.
