Finance Minister Assures GRA and Customs Officers of Enhanced Welfare

The Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, recently visited the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Customs officers stationed at the Aflao border. During his visit, he assured the officers of improved conditions of service to enhance revenue generation. Dr Adam pledged to address various welfare concerns, including promotion issues, rehabilitation of barracks and offices, and improving roads within their operational area. He also promised to provide quad bikes to enable officers to monitor unapproved routes and curb smuggling and abuse of customs protocols by importers and exporters.

Dr Adam expressed confidence that the GRA would exceed its revenue target for the year, building on last year’s growth of about 49%. He attributed this optimism to the implementation of reforms aimed at addressing issues of leakage, particularly through smuggling and the use of unapproved borders. The minister commended the dedication and resilience of the GRA and Customs officials, emphasizing the importance of their role in revenue generation.

The Commissioner-General of GRA, Julie Essiam, urged the staff to work diligently to meet revenue targets, especially in an election year when doubts may arise. She assured them that the leadership of the authority was committed to providing the necessary support for their work. Similarly, Brigadier General Ziblim Bawa Ayorrogo, the Commissioner of the Customs Division, announced upcoming training sessions sponsored by the Japanese government to equip officers with skills to curb smuggling.

In response, Assistant Commissioner Joseph Allan, the Aflao Customs Sector Commander, expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and the attention given to their welfare. He reiterated the commitment of the Aflao Command to exceeding revenue generation expectations and ensuring public safety and peace during the election process, in collaboration with other security agencies.