Accra: A Ghanaian man residing in Italy has openly criticized the Ghanaian government's policy of taxing mobile phones brought into the country by travelers. He argues that Ghana has not effectively leveraged its abundant natural resources, such as gold, diamond, lithium, manganese, and petroleum, for national development.
According to Ghana Web, the man expressed his concerns about the rationale behind taxing mobile phones when the country is rich in valuable resources. He questioned the necessity of seeking additional revenue from personal items that travelers bring into the country for their loved ones. "If you are outside the country and you buy a mobile phone for your relatives, you have to pay tax on it. After all the gold and diamond, lithium and manganese, the country is still underdeveloped," he stated.
He further challenged the potential revenue the government could generate from taxing one or two mobile phones intended as gifts, asking, "How much money are you going to get from one or two mobile phones people are bringing in for relatives at the airport?" His comments were highlighted in a viral video seen by GhanaWeb on September 10, 2026.
The man also questioned why Ghana, despite its resource wealth, needs to rely on taxes on personal imports. He compared Ghana's situation to Italy, suggesting that countries with significant natural resources should harness them to develop their economies instead of imposing financial burdens on citizens.
His remarks followed a statement from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), indicating that travelers carrying more than one mobile phone might have their devices treated as commercial imports and subjected to duties and taxes. However, the GRA clarified that travelers with more than two phones would not automatically be required to pay Customs duty.
In a press release issued on September 3, 2026, the GRA emphasized that the number of mobile phones carried by a passenger does not solely determine whether Customs duty is applicable. Customs officers assess each situation based on various factors, including whether the phones are for personal use or intended for sale, distribution, or other commercial purposes.
The GRA outlined that factors considered include the quantity and nature of the devices, whether they are in use, new, and commercially packaged, and any indication of intent for sale or distribution. "The number of phones carried does not, on its own, determine whether duty is payable," the GRA stated.
The Authority explained that travelers could legitimately carry more than one phone for personal reasons, such as having a work device or a replacement handset, without automatically classifying the phones as commercial imports. However, if a passenger carries several new or similarly packaged devices, particularly on behalf of others, Customs may evaluate whether these items qualify as personal effects or should be treated as imports.
The GRA highlighted the distinction between personal effects and goods imported for sale, supply, or other commercial purposes under Ghana's Customs laws. Where goods are deemed commercial imports, applicable taxes and duties will be assessed according to Customs laws and procedures.
Travelers carrying goods genuinely intended for personal use are advised to use the green channel at entry points, while those whose items exceed personal effects should utilize the red channel to declare and pay any applicable duties. Passengers uncertain about their items' status are encouraged to declare them and seek guidance from Customs officers.
The GRA reiterated that Customs controls aim not to inconvenience legitimate travelers, including Ghanaians returning with personal belongings or reasonable gifts for family members. The objective is to facilitate legitimate travel while ensuring commercial imports are properly declared and processed in accordance with the law.
The Authority affirmed its commitment to fair, consistent, and professional application of Customs procedures while providing clearer information to help travelers understand their rights and obligations.