The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), the umbrella body of traders in Ghana, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as widespread extortion by members of the Ghana Customs Division Task Force under the Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) operating in the Ashanti Region.

The group is calling on the government to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged activities, warning that the situation threatens to erode trust in state institutions and undermine the country’s business environment.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng said the task force, originally created to enhance post-clearance checks and ensure fairness, has instead become a tool for systematic extortion.

He noted that although traders initially welcomed the initiative, its operations have “fundamentally transformed into an extortion force.”

According to TAGG, funds allegedly collected from importers under the guise of revaluation assessments are being siphoned back to Accra, creating perverse incentives for senior officers to maintain such task forces.

Mr. Amoateng posed key questions about the necessity of the task force, arguing that Ghana Customs already possesses the systems needed to ensure proper valuation and duty collection.

“If Customs were prioritising the national interest and implementing their existing mechanisms efficiently, why would an additional task force be necessary?” he asked.

TAGG highlighted what it called a glaring example of abuse of power involving an officer identified as Prince Daniels Mensah Odai, also known as Prince, who heads the Ashanti Region Task Force.

According to the group, the officer intercepted two containers en route to Kumasi after their lawful clearance in Accra, alleging undervaluation.

He is accused of demanding GHS 120,000 from the importer before finally accepting GHS 40,000 through mobile money and cash on October 21, 2025.

After learning that the incident had been reported, the officer allegedly attempted to cover his tracks by paying the GHS 40,000 into state coffers on October 25, 2025.

TAGG believes this is only one of several potential cases.

“How many other importers have fallen victim to this officer?” Mr. Amoateng questioned.

“This is a recurring problem where some officers inflate recovery figures to give the false impression of robust revenue collection.”

The group cautioned the new administration against allowing the situation to fester, noting that similar concerns contributed to public disaffection under the previous government.

“When the business community is negatively impacted, it becomes exceptionally difficult for any government to maintain public support,” Mr. Amoateng warned.

TAGG fears the re-emergence of practices that undermined confidence during the previous administration, urging the current NDC government to act decisively to avoid repeating history.

The Association outlined a four-point demand to address the issue:

Immediate investigation into the allegations against Officer Prince Daniels Mensah Odai and the Task Force.

Comprehensive audit of all Customs task forces, including their necessity and oversight structures.

Transparent systems to eliminate extortion and ensure fair valuation for traders.

Creation of an independent channel for traders to report corruption without fear of retaliation.

TAGG anticipates a possible rebuttal from Ghana Customs but cautioned that any figures presented on “recoveries” may not reflect the true nature of how such funds are obtained.

The group concluded by emphasising that tackling corruption within Customs is essential to restoring trust, encouraging business growth, and supporting the government’s broader effort to recalibrate national systems.