A case of alleged extortion has emerged as a Businessman formally petitions the Head of Ethics and Governance at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, seeking urgent intervention and justice.
In a detailed statement, the Businessman recounted his ordeal, accusing the Customs officer, identified as Torgbi Agbeti, of unlawfully demanding money at Kotoka International Airport. The case has sparked public concern over massive extortion, corruption and unethical conduct among Customs officials at the Airport.
According to the Petition, the incident occurred on or about 28 November 2024, when this Businessman returned to Ghana from an international trip, carrying a Bose Bass 700 Module Speaker valued at approximately Two Thousand Six Hundred United States Dollars (USD 2,600.00). Upon arrival, Torgbi Agbeti, who was on duty at the Arrival Hall, allegedly demanded Three Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 3,000.00) upon seeing the speaker. Believing the payment to be legitimate, the Businessman complied without question.
On a subsequent trip on 15 February 2025, this same Businessman returned with two additional Bose Bass 700 Module Speakers. This time, after assessment, he was officially charged GHS 21,168.00 as duty, which he duly paid to the GRA, Customs Division, and received an official receipt. It was then that he realised the earlier payment of GHS 3,000.00 to Torgbi Agbeti had been an act of extortion, as no official receipt had been issued.
Upon this discovery, the Businessman confronted Torgbi Agbeti regarding the GHS 3,000.00 paid on the first occasion. He demanded an official receipt or a refund but Torgbi refused to do so. Instead of addressing the matter, the officer allegedly took offence, publicly humiliating the Businessman at the Airport and subjecting him to verbal abuse in the full view of other travellers and staff. Through his legal representatives, the business mogul is demanding a full investigation into the actions of Torgbi Agbeti. His Petition, specifically, seeks a refund of the extorted amount and disciplinary action against the officer.
The legal representative of the Businessman believes that this Petition will serve as a catalyst for comprehensive reforms to eliminate corruption and improve transparency within the Customs Division at the Airport.
The case is gradually gaining attention from advocacy groups calling for stricter oversight of Customs operations. At the time of reporting, the GRA had yet to issue an official response, but pressure is mounting for swift action to ensure accountability and restore public trust in Customs procedures at the Kotoka International Airport.
