The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified that Accra International Airport operates both red and green customs channels, a move aimed at streamlining passenger processing and safeguarding national interests.
Mr Aaron Kanor, Commissioner of the Customs Division, stated that the red channel is reserved for travellers carrying goods that need to be declared, especially commercial quantities, while the green channel is for passengers with no items to declare. He emphasized that the green lane does not exempt passengers from customs checks; scanners still capture luggage images to flag bags that may contain undeclared taxable items.
The Commissioner noted that the dual‑channel system aligns with international customs practices and the revised Kyoto Convention, mirroring systems used by other countries. He highlighted that revenue generated through these channels funds essential public infrastructure such as roads and hospitals, underscoring the importance of compliance for national development.
Beyond revenue mobilisation, customs checks serve public safety and national security objectives, protecting the country from prohibited items like firearms. The GRA plans to acquire handheld scanners by year‑end to accelerate inspections, and is advancing a digital transformation that will deploy Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems to enhance profiling and operational efficiency.
Mr Kanor cautioned travellers against carrying excessive quantities of items, particularly mobile phones belonging to others, as such quantities could be treated as commercial imports and attract duties and taxes.
Madam Grace Assumin, Chief Revenue Officer, Preventive, AIA, added that scanners cover all four luggage belts at Terminal Three, assisting officers in identifying prohibited, restricted, and taxable items. When a bag is flagged, it is moved to the arrival hall for officers to determine its contents. If scanning does not reveal the nature of an item, a physical examination is conducted.
After immigration clearance, passengers’ luggage passes through the scanning system before being conveyed to the arrival hall and carousel via conveyor belts.
Travelers should be aware of the red and green channel system and adhere to declaration requirements to avoid delays and additional charges.
