Concerned citizen backs GRA directive for travellers to pay duty on extra phones
A concerned citizen has thrown his support behind the directive by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that travellers carrying extra mobile phones beyond what is considered personal use should pay the required customs duties.
The citizen said the measure is necessary to protect local businesses, prevent commercial smuggling under the guise of personal effects, and to boost government revenue for national development.
His comments follow the GRA’s clarification that travellers carrying more than two mobile phones do not automatically attract duty, but that Customs officers will assess whether the devices are genuinely for personal use or intended for commercial purposes, sale or distribution.
Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, had earlier cautioned travellers against carrying multiple phones collected from friends and relatives, noting that carrying up to seven new phones could be classified as a commercial import. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong later explained that the reference to two phones was only an illustrative example and not an absolute rule.
The citizen argued that many travellers bring in large quantities of expensive brands such as iPhones and Samsung devices in new packs, which clearly indicates commercial intent and should not be allowed to bypass tax obligations.
“If Ama gives you one phone, Kofi gives you another and you arrive with seven phones, that is no longer personal use, that is commercial,” he quoted the Customs Commissioner, adding that it is unfair for traders who pay duties at the ports to compete with individuals bringing in phones duty-free.
He urged all travellers to comply with the directive to declare goods beyond personal effects through the red channel at entry points and to avoid using cultural sentiments to evade taxes.
According to him, enforcing the customs law on extra phones will ensure fairness, improve revenue mobilisation and discourage the practice of using travellers as conduits for commercial imports.
By Deborah Adorsu