Importers and Exporters call NIA-GRA dispute disruptive and counterproductive, urging swift resolution

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing standoff between the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing it as “needless” and damaging to the economy.

The NIA recently disconnected the GRA from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform due to the latter’s failure to settle a debt of nearly GH₵376 million.

This decision has disrupted key processes within the import and export sector, as the Ghana Card — issued by the NIA — is now central to verifying the identities of importers and exporters.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Mr. Asaki said the fallout between the two state institutions is costing the country significant revenue and causing frustration within the business community.

“This is not a situation where a government agency is dealing with a private agency — these are two state institutions under the Ministries of Interior and Finance,” he noted. “I want to believe that these two ministries are in communication and working to resolve this issue.”

He warned that the disconnection is having direct consequences on import and export activities, as delays in verification mean goods cannot be cleared on time, which could lead to port congestion, demurrage fees, and overall losses to the state.

“This is a needless fight, unhealthy, and should not be entertained in this dispensation. I want to call on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Interior to quickly summon their CEOs to resolve this,” he urged.

The NIA’s IVS system is critical for identity verification across government services, especially those linked to revenue mobilisation and trade.