IEAG Warns of Major Trade Disruptions Amid NIA and GRA Data Standoff
Ghana’s business community is on high alert following a stern warning from the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) over an escalating conflict between the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The association fears that this inter-agency dispute could severely hamper business operations, especially within the crucial maritime sector. Speaking at the launch of the IEAG’s 11th anniversary on August 6, 2025, Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit expressed deep concern about the potential for widespread economic fallout if the situation is not resolved urgently.
Data Deletion Threatens to Paralyze Customs and Supply Chains
The central point of contention stems from the NIA’s recent move to formally notify the Data Protection Commission of its intention to access the GRA’s servers and remove its data. According to Awingobit, this action poses a direct threat to the seamless functioning of Ghana’s trade ecosystem. He explained that the integration of NIA data is fundamental to the modern customs clearance process. If this data is deleted, it could trigger extensive delays for importers and exporters at the ports, creating a bottleneck that would disrupt national and international supply chains. Awingobit stressed that from a professional standpoint, such a disruption would significantly inflate the cost of doing business, with freight forwarders, traders, and ultimately consumers bearing the financial burden of the administrative paralysis.
The IEAG’s alarm serves as a critical call to action for government intervention to mediate the dispute between the NIA and GRA. The stability of Ghana’s trade environment hinges on the reliable and continuous operation of its digital infrastructure, which includes the secure exchange of data between key state agencies. Failure to find an amicable solution could not only reverse progress made in trade facilitation but also damage Ghana’s reputation as a reliable business hub. The stakes are incredibly high, with potential consequences for revenue collection, economic activity, and supply chain integrity across the nation.
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