By Amoako Kwame
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has cautioned travellers arriving in Ghana that carrying more than two mobile phones, particularly new devices in large quantities, could attract customs duties and taxes.
Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, explained that Customs officers assess the quantity and nature of goods carried by passengers to determine whether they qualify as personal effects or are intended for commercial purposes.
He said travellers who arrive with several mobile phones could have the devices classified as commercial imports, making them liable for the applicable duties and taxes.
Speaking to journalists after touring the Accra International Airport on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Mr Kanor advised travellers to be cautious about accepting multiple phones from friends and relatives to transport into Ghana.
He acknowledged that it is common for travellers returning to Ghana to carry items on behalf of several people but warned that bringing several new mobile phones could trigger additional tax obligations.
“In Ghana, because of our culture, when one is travelling, Ama gives you one phone, Kofi gives you another, and all the day borns they all give you phones. When you carry all those seven phones, and you arrive, it will amount to what? Commercial,” he said.
According to him, a traveller may reasonably carry a phone for personal use and possibly another for a spouse or close family member. However, transporting several additional devices could raise concerns about their intended purpose.
Mr Kanor said the value of the devices is also an important consideration for Customs, particularly as premium brands such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung represent significant sources of potential revenue.
“If you look at iPhone, Samsung, they are very expensive. That is where we can get our revenue,” he added.
He therefore urged passengers to declare goods that exceed what can reasonably be considered personal effects and comply with customs requirements to avoid delays, penalties or other difficulties at the airport.
The warning forms part of the Customs Division’s broader efforts to improve compliance among travellers and ensure that goods entering the country are properly declared and assessed.
Travellers have consequently been advised to familiarise themselves with Ghana’s customs requirements before arriving in the country, particularly when carrying goods on behalf of other people or transporting multiple units of the same item.
