GH₵376m Debt Crisis: NIA, GRA Engage in High-Stakes Debt Dispute Over Identity Verification Platform
Accra, Ghana – 6 August, 2025 –
The move has already started affecting exporters and importers, who are unable to clear goods due to the system's unavailability. Sampson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, noted during interviews with the news media that Customs couldn't use the system, making it challenging to link importers and exporters to their goods.
The decision was made after the NIA sent several demand notices to the GRA, which went unanswered, prompting the authority to block GRA's access to its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform. The IVS platform is crucial for real-time identity verification using the Ghana Card database, and its disruption could affect various services, including Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) ,Lands Commission ,Hubtel and generally import and export activities leading to disruptions that may cause delays in verification, leading to port congestion, demurrage fees, and revenue losses.
Head of Corporate Affairs at NIA, William Ampomah at a media briefing stated that the authority has sent several demand notices to the GRA, but they've received no response. The NIA is now seeking permission to delete its data from GRA servers, citing financial strain and operational challenges.
Meanwhile the GRA has downplayed the impact, with Deputy Commissioner Florence Asante saying in an interview with Joy News tat the disconnection has had minimal effects on their operations. The two agencies are reportedly in talks to resolve the issue.
The NIA's decision comes amid growing financial challenges, with an estimated debt of over GH₵150 million from various government entities in 2024. The authority's financial woes have raised concerns about its ability to maintain its systems and provide essential services.
Source - Lead News Online/ Jeff Ago
