Ghanaian Authorities Enforce Road Safety and Fair Fares as GRA Clarifies Customs Rules for Electronic Devices

Ghanaian law enforcement and regulatory bodies have intensified actions to maintain public order and clarify tax obligations for citizens and travelers alike. In a series of recent updates, the Madina Divisional Police Command secured a conviction against a heavy-duty vehicle driver for environmental hazards, while Ashaiman police apprehended commercial transport operators for illegal fare hikes. Simultaneously, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to dispel persistent rumors regarding the number of mobile devices travelers can bring into the country duty-free.

On the front of road safety, the Madina Divisional Police Command recently convicted Solomon Tawiah, a driver for Betonsa Ghana Limited, following a significant concrete spill on the Madina-Adenta Highway. The incident, which occurred on September 5, 2025, involved a Mercedes-Benz concrete mixer truck that dumped a large volume of wet concrete onto the road, obstructing traffic and creating dangerous driving conditions. Tawiah pleaded guilty to charges of placing construction materials on the road and causing danger to others, resulting in a fine of 75 penalty units. Police officials emphasized that the conviction was made possible through public assistance and serves as a stern warning to transport operators regarding unsafe practices.

In a separate enforcement action in Ashaiman, police arrested a commercial driver, Abubakar Fuseini, and his conductor, Majeed, for extorting passengers through unauthorized fare increases. Following an investigation sparked by public complaints and local reporting, the pair was found to be charging 20 cedis for a trip with an approved fare of 16 cedis. Commuters reported being met with threats and insults when questioning the hike. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has condemned the illegal increases, calling for strict sanctions to protect the public from exploitation during difficult economic periods.

Beyond road enforcement, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has addressed public concerns regarding customs duties on personal electronics. Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, clarified that there is no specific "two-phone law" restricting travelers to a maximum of two devices for duty-free entry. Instead, Customs officers utilize a legal test to determine whether electronic devices are intended for personal use or represent commercial imports. This clarification aims to streamline the entry process at ports and ensure that travelers are not unfairly penalized while maintaining the integrity of commercial tax collection.