The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has mobilized a total amount of GH¢56 billion as tax revenue in the 2025 operational year, Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan has said.
The amount, he said, was collected despite prevailing constraints, as staff of the Division demonstrated commendable vigilance and commitment to revenue mobilization.
Brigadier General Annan, was speaking at the International Customs Day observed in Accra on Monday, explained that although there are gaps to be filled, the Division remains committed to raising the bar in order to perform better this year.
Brigadier General Annan, emphasized that the Division’s commitment to supporting national development, is exhibited by preventing revenue loss and the mobilization of sufficient tax revenue to fund government projects.
He said the Division’s adaption to new security systems clearly demonstrates the competence and readiness to tackle corruption in revenue collection.
“This positions the Customs Division as a forward-looking institution that can properly safeguard national interest in an ever-changing world” Brigadier General Annan noted.
According to him, the current ethical conduct demonstrated by Customs officers in carrying out their duties at post, is a reflection of unwavering commitment to professionalism.
The Commissioner however, noted that the Division would not countenance any sign of corruption and fraud which undermine the quest to collect revenue for development.
The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, who was a guest at the ceremony, extended caution against corruption and fraud within the Customs operations.
He said stressed that revenue leakages directly undermine Ghana’s national development efforts.
Mr. Ampem said the fight against corruption must be decisive and sustained, noting that public resources lost through unethical practices deprive the country of critical development opportunities.
The Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that revenue mobilization remains the backbone of government’s ability to deliver essential services, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sanitation.
He cautioned that corruption within the Customs system has far-reaching consequences beyond revenue shortfalls.
According to him, funds lost through corruption translate into unbuilt schools, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, and reduced access to safe water and sanitation, all of which directly affect the wellbeing of citizens.
The minister emphasized the strategic role of the Customs Division, not only in revenue mobilisation but also in protecting Ghana from illicit trade, including drugs, small arms, counterfeit medicines, and substandard goods. He said this responsibility makes integrity and professionalism within Customs non-negotiable.
As Ghana joined the international community under the auspices of the World Customs Organization to mark International Customs Day, the Deputy Minister urged Customs officers to recommit themselves to transparency, accountability, and patriotism.
World Customs Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to recognize the role of customs officials in managing border security, facilitating trade, and collecting duties. Established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1953, it highlights the importance of customs in economic growth and supply chain security.
