The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has attributed the persistent rise in prices of goods on the market to alleged bribery and corrupt practices within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

According to TAGG, the cost of importing goods has surged far beyond normal duty charges due to what they describe as “hidden payments” demanded by some customs officers at the ports.

These unofficial charges, the group says, are forcing traders to increase retail prices in order to recover import-related expenses.

The group led by its President, Daniel Kwadwo Amoanteng, made this revelation while speaking at a press conference in Accra.

He said that many of its members have raised concerns about alleged extortion, delays, and unnecessary hurdles created by certain customs officials during the clearance of goods.

TAGG cited an example of 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.

The group accused him of demanding GHS 120,000 from an 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 has further called on the government to urgently intervene by sanitising operations at the ports, intensifying supervision, and addressing corruption claims within the customs service.