Importers and Exporters warn of looming port disruptions amid GRA-NIA dispute

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has issued a stark warning that port operations across the country could face serious disruptions if the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) do not urgently resolve their ongoing impasse.

Tensions between the two state agencies escalated after the GRA was cut off from the NIA’s Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform—a move that has alarmed players in the shipping and logistics industry, who say the fallout could cripple cargo clearance and trade efficiency.

At the Association’s 11th Anniversary celebration and the launch of its newly designed website, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit stressed the need for immediate dialogue between the agencies to prevent further complications.

“Mr. Chairman, this development, as reported, raises serious concerns about data security and potential disruptions to critical services. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana urges the leadership of the Ghana Revenue Authority to take pragmatic steps to resolve this issue amicably with the NIA,” he said.

“This is especially crucial given the potential impact on businesses, particularly in the maritime trade sector. From a professional standpoint, if the NIA proceeds with deleting its data from the GRA server, it could severely disrupt port operations,” he added.

Debt Dispute Sparks Disconnect
The standoff stems from claims by the NIA that the GRA owes it over GH¢376 million in unpaid arrears—a claim that led to the GRA’s disconnection from the IVS platform. But the GRA has categorically denied the allegations, expressing shock over what it described as baseless accusations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 5, the GRA said it was taken by “great surprise” and insisted the purported debt had no regulatory or governance legitimacy.

According to the Authority, its internal assessment revealed that the amount in question is linked to “legacy liabilities” predating 2025, which were never formally sanctioned or agreed upon.

As both agencies dig in their heels, traders and freight forwarders are growing increasingly anxious, warning that extended delays in resolving the issue could severely hamper port efficiency and cost the economy millions.

The IEAG is urging swift and pragmatic intervention before the situation escalates into a full-blown crisis that could paralyse the country’s maritime trade sector.