The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reacted to claims of cheating made by Ghanaian-American comedian, Michael Blankson.
The Nollywood star earlier slammed the GRA over what he described as high taxation in a country where several people cannot find meaningful jobs, saying it does not make sense.
The global comedian claimed in a tweet on Wednesday, December 7, that he shipped goods worth a hundred thousand dollars ($10,000) to a relative in Ghana who needed to run a store.
According to Mr. Blankson, the tax paid on the goods at the harbour was the same as the amount of goods imported.
“I have cousins in Ghana with no jobs and no income. Because the country lacked jobs, they wanted to open a store if I could help.
“I purchased about $10k of items and when it arrived thru DHL, customs said they will need to pay $10k to retrieve them. IT MAKES NO SENSE, Ghana Revenue Authority,” his post reads.
He stressed that people who are planning to import goods to Ghana have to cough up same amount used to purchase the goods as tax to the GRA.
“If you are planning on shipping anything to Ghana, be prepared to pay a duty fee as high as the thing you shipped and if you don’t pick them up in a timely fashion they will auction your belongings. Why @GhanaRevenue?” he lamented.
After 48 hours, the GRA has in a tweet sighted by Modernghana News, informed him about how duties are calculated by customs officials.
They emphasized that Mr. Blankson is at liberty to lodge a complaint at the appropriate authority if he feels cheated.
“Duty on imported goods is calculated based on what the Customs Law directs. We are only doing our job. if you have any evidence of extortion, report it anywhere you are comfortable,” the GRA’s tweet said.
The Authority has given Mr. Blankson a number to call for any further inquiries.
Source: Modern Ghana