The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been accused of widespread corruption, with officials allegedly colluding with smugglers to evade duties on imported goods, particularly oil palm products.

The allegations were made by Paul Kwabena Amaning, President of the Oil Palm Development Association, who claimed that the practice is pervasive within the Authority.

According to him, some officials are allegedly allowing smuggled goods to enter the country through land borders in exchange for bribes, depriving the state of significant revenue.

He alleged that between 80 and 90 percent of officials are involved in the illegal activity.

Mr Amaning further stated that a recent directive issued by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, to restrict certain imports through land borders has been undermined by the alleged conduct of some GRA officers.

He expressed concern that the situation is costing the country billions of cedis in lost revenue.

“They don’t have Ghana at heart; they just want to make money,” he said, adding that stronger systems are needed to curb corruption within the Authority.

The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana has therefore called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and undertake structural reforms within the GRA.

The Association is also urging authorities to hold any officials found culpable accountable in order to protect state revenue and restore confidence in the country’s customs administration system.