Travellers can take up to GH¢500 in Ghanaian currency out of the country – Customs

The Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs Division has reminded passengers travelling outside Ghana that they are permitted to carry a maximum of GH¢500 in Ghanaian currency.

Revenue Officer at the Accra International Airport Preventive Unit, Conrad Attu, said passengers who exceed the limit risk having the excess amount seized at the point of departure.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, September 1, Mr Attu said: “When travelling outside, outbound passengers are only allowed to carry 500 cedis on them. Beyond that, they might be seized.”

He explained that the restriction is based on the expectation that travellers would use the currency of their destination rather than carry large amounts of Ghanaian currency abroad.

“We assume that in the other country, you might not need to have any Ghana cedis. You use the currency of that particular country,” he said.

The clarification forms part of broader guidance from Customs on the rules governing the movement of cash and other items across Ghana’s borders.

Customs has also urged travellers to familiarise themselves with currency declaration requirements before arriving at the airport to avoid complications during the departure process.

Passengers can visit the Customs office at the airport to make the necessary declarations regarding the currency they are carrying.

Mr Attu stressed that passengers carrying significant amounts of cash should complete all relevant procedures before checking in their luggage.

The GH¢500 limit applies specifically to Ghanaian currency being taken out of the country. Foreign currencies are subject to separate declaration requirements.

Customs therefore advises passengers travelling abroad to plan their currency needs carefully and seek clarification from its officers at the airport if they are uncertain about the applicable requirements.