The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced strong revenue performance and sweeping reform priorities as Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan officially handed over to Acting Commissioner Aaron Kanor at a ceremony marked by calls for discipline, integrity and institutional renewal.
The event comes at a critical time for Ghana’s economy, as government intensifies domestic revenue mobilisation efforts to stabilise public finances and fund key development programmes.
GH¢51.4 Billion Collected, 14% Growth Recorded
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, praised Brig.-Gen. Annan for steering the Customs Division through what he described as a difficult fiscal environment, achieving 14% revenue growth in 2025.
In his farewell address, Brig.-Gen. Annan disclosed that the Customs Division mobilised approximately GH¢51.4 billion last year, representing a 14% nominal increase over the previous year. However, he acknowledged the figure fell short of the annual target by 9%.
Looking ahead, he challenged officers to meet an even more ambitious GH¢67.5 billion revenue target for the coming year, describing Customs as indispensable to Ghana’s fiscal stability and economic transformation.
With government under pressure to increase domestic revenue amid ongoing economic reforms, the performance of Customs which accounts for a significant portion of tax collections is seen as central to financing infrastructure, healthcare and education.
Institutional Reforms and Legacy Projects
Under Brig.-Gen. Annan’s tenure, the Customs Division initiated several structural and operational reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement and professional capacity.
Key achievements highlighted by Anthony Kwasi Sarpong include:
• Operationalisation of the Customs Police Unit and Marine Unit to enhance border enforcement.
• Securing funding from Trademark Africa for comprehensive training programmes for both junior and senior officers.
• Accreditation of the Papafield Campus of the University of Cape Coast to offer Customs Administration programmes.
• Welfare initiatives in collaboration with the Customs Staff Association, including plans for a customs hospital and cemetery.
• Completion of a modern 40-seat conference facility at Customs Headquarters to support technical dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
Brig.-Gen. Annan described these initiatives as foundational steps to modernise Customs and position it for future growth.
Strong Warning on Corruption and Cargo Tampering
The commissioner of GRA, used the occasion to issue a stern warning to officers over recent incidents involving manifest fraud and the disappearance or tampering of tracked state cargo.
He stressed that such incidents represent human failure rather than system breakdown and warned that officers found complicit in corrupt practices would face investigation and sanctions regardless of rank.
“Passive acceptance of unethical norms is not neutrality; it is complicity,” he stated, urging officers to report wrongdoing through proper channels, with assurances of protection for whistleblowers.
The tough stance aligns with broader government efforts to clamp down on revenue leakages and strengthen public sector accountability.
Outgoing Commissioner Calls for Unity
Brig.-Gen. Annan expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, fellow commissioners and the entire Customs workforce for their support.
Aaron Kanor Promises Discipline and Digital Modernisation
Taking office, Acting Commissioner Aaron Kanor pledged to lead the Customs Division with renewed discipline, professionalism and technological innovation.
He thanked President Mahama for the confidence reposed in him and paid tribute to Brig.-Gen. Annan for his dedicated service.
“We will provide a renewed spirit and direction to this great entity by ensuring that the tasks for which we have been employed are well executed. Discipline, professional ethics and integrity shall be our guiding values,” Aaron Kanor stated.
He outlined key priorities, including:
• Facilitating legitimate trade while strengthening border protection.
• Enhancing revenue mobilisation.
• Leveraging technology to improve risk management and operational efficiency.
• Strengthening collaboration with border communities, regional bodies and international organisations.
• Promoting professionalism, innovation and teamwork within the service.
The leadership transition at Customs comes as Ghana intensifies domestic revenue mobilisation under its broader economic recovery strategy. With a GH¢67.5 billion target ahead and increased scrutiny over leakages, the performance of the Customs Division will remain central to national fiscal stability.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
