Corrupt and Rogue Customs Officers Along Eastern Corridor, Tema Port Must Go – Graham Kofi Baldwin

A journalist, media manager, and sympathizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Graham Kofi Baldwin, has vowed that corrupt customs officers in Ghana, particularly along the Eastern Corridor and at Tema Port, will be removed under the incoming government. Baldwin alleged that these officers are part of a cartel responsible for diverting state revenue into private pockets under what he described as a “useless Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government.”

Speaking to the media in Accra over the weekend, Baldwin highlighted rampant corruption within the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), particularly its Customs Division. He noted that the incoming administration must tackle these issues head-on to restore accountability and rebuild the national treasury, which he claims has been depleted by the current government.

Call for Accountability

Baldwin warned that the youth of Ghana are demanding accountability, particularly from tax collectors. “Young Ghanaians are angry and are calling for a system where taxes collected are properly accounted for. This is a non-negotiable demand,” he stated.

He recounted his own activism against a controversial tax policy introduced by the Customs Division in 2019, which he described as a scheme benefiting politically connected individuals and certain Customs officers, especially along the Eastern Corridor. According to Baldwin, this policy led to massive under-declaration of goods and tax revenue diversion, further depriving the state of critical funds.

Despite initial resistance from the government and GRA, Baldwin’s persistent advocacy, including legal threats, led to the reversal of the policy in June 2021. The reversal ensured that appropriate taxes were paid on goods entering the country, marking a victory for national development.

Exposing Corruption

Baldwin did not mince words in calling out specific cases of corruption within the Customs Division. He alleged that a Customs officer stationed in Koforidua is heavily involved in corrupt practices, including owning a cargo clearing agency and diverting business to his private company.

“Visit Koforidua and see the wealth amassed by this officer—his properties and fleet of cars are shocking. How can someone tasked with ensuring fair revenue collection instead use their position for personal gain?” he questioned angrily.

The Way Forward

The media expert stressed that rooting out corruption in revenue collection will be a top priority for the incoming government. He called for a collective effort to clean the system, ensuring that tax revenues serve the interests of all Ghanaians, rather than being siphoned off by a few individuals.

“All hands must be on deck to ensure that revenue collection systems are cleaned, and corrupt officials are held accountable. It’s time for action, not just talk,” Baldwin concluded.

A Clean Slate for Ghana

As Ghana transitions to new leadership, Baldwin remains hopeful that the new administration will prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness in tax collection. He pledged to continue playing his part as a citizen to ensure that public resources are safeguarded for national development.

Source: Alhaji Umarh II || Accra, Ghana