Flying into Ghana with more than 2 phones may face commercial import charges – GRA

The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Aaron Kanors, has cautioned travellers arriving in Ghana against carrying multiple mobile phones on behalf of other people, warning that excessive quantities could be treated as commercial imports.

He said individuals travelling into the country are expected to carry only a limited number of phones for personal use, while bringing in several devices could attract customs treatment as commercial goods.

“Travelers should not bring more than two phones into the country; anything beyond that will be considered commercial importation at the Airport” – GRA Customs Commissioner Aaron Kanor#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/Eu1SAdZIKt

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana)

September 2, 2026

“When you carry all those 7 phones, and you arrive, it will amount to commercial. Because as an individual, you are entitled to one.

So we implore that when you are coming home, you do not collect people’s things. If you collect them and they are beyond two… one individual, you can only carry two. One for yourself and maybe one for your wife. Beyond that, it amounts to commercial. “

Mr Kanors said the practice of travellers carrying several phones belonging to other people could result in the items being considered commercial quantities.

He explained that the high value of smartphones, particularly premium brands such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung devices, makes them an important source of customs revenue.

“Because all these phones are expensive. Look at iPhone, Samsung, they are very expensive phones. And that is where we can get our revenue.”

The GRA is therefore urging Ghanaians returning home to be mindful of the number of phones and other goods they carry into the country on behalf of others to avoid potential customs liabilities.