The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Tema Sector, has issued a strong warning to importers to desist from bringing unmanifested vehicles into the country through the port.
Assistant Commissioner Theresa Potakey, Customs Tema Sector Commander, described the practice as unacceptable and warned that offenders would face penalties.
Speaking during the Division’s first Joint Consultative Committee meeting—held to deliberate on sector concerns and review port operations from the previous year—Assistant Commissioner Potakey noted a troubling trend, particularly at the Meridian Ports Services (MPS) Terminal Three.
“We’ve observed that some importers are bringing in unmanifested vehicles—vehicles not listed on the manifest or the bill of lading. They are hidden; and when we open the containers, it is clear the intention is to evade taxes. This is unacceptable,” she stated.
She revealed that Customs had been seizing such vehicles and cautioned the public that scanners at the port would detect them.
“Importers found guilty are currently made to pay a penalty for restoration. However, I intend to recommend to the Commissioner of Customs and the Commissioner-General of the GRA that these penalties be doubled to serve as a stronger deterrent,” she added.
Assistant Commissioner Potakey further questioned the legitimacy of such imports, suggesting they may be stolen vehicles. “Why are you bringing in a vehicle and refusing to declare it on the bill of lading? How do you intend to register it once it gets out?” she asked.
A manifest is a detailed document listing all cargo on board a vessel for a specific voyage. Customs rely on it to verify shipments, assess duties, and ensure compliance with import and export regulations.
The Customs Division has reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on tax evasion and ensuring transparency and accountability at Ghana’s ports.
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