The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted claims that its dispute with the National Identification Authority (NIA) over alleged debts has disrupted the clearance of goods at Ghana’s ports.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, August 21, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong described reports suggesting that importers cannot clear their goods because of the Ghana Card issue as “inaccurate.”
“What also came out was the negative or the incorrect news to say that because NIA has taken that action, people cannot clear their stations. As you speak right now, it is not an accurate account,” Mr. Sarpong said.
No Impact on Importers
The GRA boss assured the business community that port operations remain unaffected by the dispute. He clarified that importers primarily use business Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) generated by GRA, not the Ghana Card, for clearance.
“Most of these importers run on business TIN. We don’t rely on Ghana Card. And therefore it couldn’t have been that if you don’t have your Ghana Card at use, you cannot import,” he stressed.
He further explained that the Ghana Card is only validated once for new taxpayers and does not affect existing businesses or individuals already in the system.
“For existing taxpayers, both corporate and individuals, this matter is not having any impact at all. And therefore that’s why… it was inaccurate, the post that was out,” he clarified.
Background to GRA–NIA Dispute
Addressing the underlying disagreement, Mr. Sarpong revealed that there had been legacy arrangements between the two agencies prior to 2025. These included an understanding that NIA would receive payments from GRA for data use, while GRA provided office space nationwide for NIA at no cost.
However, he said these arrangements were never finalized and should have been resolved through dialogue rather than public exchanges in the media.
“As far as the demand for debt is concerned, when I took over, I engaged the Director-General of NIA. We met here in GRA offices, and we agreed that as leaders, we need to look at the issues and resolve them subsequently… It was a huge surprise to hear our sister agency trying to take the matter to the media,” he remarked.
Call for Cooperation and Professionalism
Mr. Sarpong emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, urging government bodies to avoid actions that could destabilize service delivery.
“It’s important to recognize that when you have problems, you cannot solve it all in the media. Our actions should not lead to destabilizing service to the people or disturbing our core mandate. We are committed to work with NIA, and we call upon them to take on the hand we have extended, and let us resolve the matter,” he said.
The Commissioner-General reiterated that the public and business community can continue clearing goods at the ports without disruption, while leadership at both institutions work to resolve their differences.
