The Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) last year collected in excess of GH¢3.94billion, representing a 9.5 percent increase in revenue mobilization.
Indeed, the GRA collected a revenue of GH¢45.27billion against a set target of GH¢41.33billion.
A former Commissioner of Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, at his farewell ceremony in Accra said the division grew by some 47 percent over the year 2023.
Last year the GRA achieved its tax target, collecting GH¢153.5billion in revenue – 5.3 percent above its overall target of GH¢145.8billion for all divisions.
This record-breaking feat has been attributed to strategic reforms, technological advancements and the dedication of staff and stakeholders.
“Over the past years, the division has played a crucial role in revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation and national security. We have strengthened operations and enhanced border security – adopting modern technologies to streamline our processes,” Brigadier Arroyogo explained.
GRA, in collaboration with the Customs Staff Association and University of Cape Coast, successfully launched the Masters of Science and Masters of Philosophy in Customs Administration.
“This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for officers to further their knowledge, enhance their expertise and accelerate their promotions,” he noted.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Commissioner of Customs Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan has pledged to serve with integrity, dedication and excellence.
US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports has sent shockwaves through global stock markets and US banking giant JP Morgan has predicted a 60% chance of a US and global recession following Trump’s tariffs announcement.
This development casts a long shadow over AGOA and raises urgent questions about the reliability of unilateral trade preferences as a foundation for African development. China announced last week Friday that it will impose a 34% tariff on all US imports, beginning on Thursday 10 April.
That said, the recent tariffs imposed on countries by the US is an opportunity for African markets to review trading patterns to benefit their 1.4 billion population. Invariably, the US decision will force African countries to seek alternative markets, which the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provides solutions to.
For Africa, this provides a good opportunity for it to now look internally and see how best it can reorient trading patterns to suit its 1.4 billion people.
Strengthening intra-African trade, investing in regional value chains and speaking with one voice in global trade forums are no longer aspirational goals – they are urgent priorities.
