Customs falls short of 2025 revenue target 

By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE

The Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) mobilised a total amount of GH¢56billion as tax revenue in the 2025 operational year, Commissioner of Customs Brigadier-General Glover Ashong Annan has said.

This amount falls short of the 2025 GH¢60billion target. The Customs chief explained that the GH¢56billion was collected despite prevailing constraints.

Brigadier-General Annan was speaking at the International Customs Day observed in Accra on Monday – and added that although there are gaps to be filled, the division remains committed to raising the bar.

Last year, the Customs Division was given a minimum target of GH¢60billion from the overall revenue target of more than GH¢200billion.

Brigadier-General Annan emphasised his outfit’s commitment to supporting national development. He said the division’s adaption to new security systems clearly demonstrates its 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 will 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, was a guest at the ceremony and extended caution against corruption and fraud within Customs operations.

He 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 noted that revenue mobilisation 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 emphasised the Customs Division’s strategic role, 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 World Customs Organisation’s auspices 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 recognise the role of Customs officials in managing border security, facilitating trade and collecting duties. Established by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in 1953, it highlights the importance of Customs in economic growth and supply chain security.

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