The Cross Border Women Traders Association (CBWTA) has raised alarm over what it describes as unfair and intimidating conduct by some officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), warning that such practices threaten national revenue, legitimate trade, and the livelihoods of thousands of small traders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association said several of its members have reported being subjected to “aggressive and selective” Post-Clearance Audits (PCA) despite completing all lawful procedures and paying required duties at approved border points.
According to CBWTA, between October and November, more than 100 trucks belonging to cross-border traders were re-examined after clearing Customs. The association argues that these actions undermine the credibility of border officials, impose unexpected financial burdens, and risk crippling small businesses.
“These audits are being applied in ways that intimidate law-abiding traders and collapse businesses,” the statement said, adding that such disruptions weaken the cooperative relationship between traders and the state.
The association fears the trend could reduce compliance, encourage informal trading routes, and ultimately hurt government revenue rather than enhance it. It also raised concerns that some of the enforcement activities may be politically motivated.
Key Demands
CBWTA is urging the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies to act immediately to curb the situation. Key demands include:
- A halt to unauthorized task forces and checkpoints that harass traders after formal clearance.
- An emergency meeting within one week with the association to discuss practical and transparent reforms.
- Strict adherence to ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) rules, particularly regarding ETLS-approved goods.
- Broader trade facilitation reforms to support small businesses, reduce corruption, and strengthen Ghana’s competitive standing.
Appeal to President Mahama
The association has also appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene, noting that cross-border women traders contribute significantly to regional commerce and export Made-in-Ghana products across West Africa.
CBWTA emphasized that while it is committed to supporting the government’s 2026 target of mobilising GH₵216 billion in non-oil tax revenue, poorly coordinated enforcement along trade corridors could drive traders into informal channels, reduce compliance, and fuel inflation.
Warning of Wider Impact
The group cautioned that failure to address the issue could deepen mistrust, disrupt operations at border points, and jeopardize thousands of livelihoods—especially with peak trading season approaching.
“We stand here not to fight but to demand fairness, transparency, and dialogue. Cross-border women traders are not criminals; we are contributors to national development and regional economic growth,” the statement stressed.
CBWTA said it is actively working with partners including Trademark Africa, GIZ, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and the FDA to formalize cross-border trade and promote compliance. However, it warned that these efforts risk being undermined by the alleged actions of certain Customs officers.
The association called on the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs to act swiftly to restore confidence and ensure that Customs procedures along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor are administered fairly and professionally.
The statement was signed by Oscar Akaba-Norvixoxo, Coordinator and Consultant for CBWTA.