The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted claims by the National Identification Authority (NIA) that it was disconnected from the Identity Verification System (IVS) due to unpaid fees, arguing that the matter relates to a legacy debt and unresolved regulatory issues.
This follows the NIA’s decision to cut off GRA’s access to the IVS platform over an alleged GH₵376 million debt — a move that has disrupted clearance activities at Ghana’s ports, leaving importers and exporters stranded.
The IVS platform is a crucial national infrastructure that allows both public and private institutions to instantly verify identities using the Ghana Card database.
It plays a central role in revenue mobilisation, banking, healthcare, passport issuance, and more.
In a statement dated Tuesday, August 5, the GRA expressed surprise at the NIA’s actions and provided clarification on the matter.
“There appears to be a Legacy Debt inherited as a result of some services rendered to the Authority by NIA prior to 2025,” the GRA said.
The Authority further explained that it could not honour the debt because there were no regulatory or governance approvals supporting the transaction, contrary to the government’s reset agenda that prioritises transparency and compliance.
“As part of the existing arrangements between the two agencies, NIA was allowed and had set up their desk offices at GRA premises nation-wide where they register individuals and issue them with the National Identification cards without paying rent and utilities to the GRA for years,” the statement added.
The GRA confirmed that high-level talks are ongoing between both institutions to resolve the dispute, especially in light of procedural concerns and the lack of a formal service agreement.
Despite the fallout, the GRA reiterated its commitment to inter-agency collaboration and to the successful integration of the Ghana Card into tax operations.
“In this regard, GRA extends collaborative hands to NIA while emphasising the need to improve our cordial relationship and resolve matters amicably,” the statement concluded.
The GRA also reassured taxpayers and the general public of its dedication to fairness, integrity, service, and teamwork.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
