GRA seizes 3,951 vehicles

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized 3,951 vehicles imported into the country through the Tema and Takoradi ports last year because the owners could not pay the required duties.

Commissioner of Customs, Mr Wallace Akondor disclosed this in an interview with The Finder in Accra. He said the seized vehicles were published in 15 different gazettes.

He explained that out of the 3,951 vehicles gazetted, a total of 2,758 vehicles were auctioned.

This leaves 1,197 vehicles yet to be auctioned.

According to him, the vehicles that were auctioned and duly paid for generated revenue of GH?12.29 million to the state.

Mr Akondor explained that 2,682 out of the 2,758 gazetted vehicles were duly cleared and taken delivery of while those not accounted for were cleared by the beneficiary or first privilege offer.

He also said some of the seized vehicles were given back to the original owners.

The Commissioner of Customs also noted that three stolen saloon vehicles were intercepted by Customs last year.

One of the stolen vehicles was from Italy while two were stolen from the United States of America.

Mr Akondor said the stolen vehicles are in the custody of Interpol for investigations.

He explained that even though no one has been arrested in connection with the stolen vehicles, investigations are still ongoing and affected importers have been given time to produce proof of purchase/ownership.