Brigadier-General Glover Ashong Annan, Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), embarked on a strategic working visit to the Oti and Volta Regions of Ghana. The primary objective of this visit was to assess the operational effectiveness of customs operations in these regions, engage with customs officers and stakeholders, and boost morale among the officers. The Commissioner’s visit underscored the GRA’s commitment to equipping customs officials with the necessary tools and logistics to bolster border management and protect national revenue. This commitment recognizes the crucial role of customs officers in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and ensuring effective revenue collection.
The Commissioner’s itinerary included visits to several key locations within the two regions. In the Oti Region, he visited the Menuso Border Post and the Oti Collection, directly interacting with the officers stationed there. He encouraged them to diligently perform their duties, emphasizing the significance of revenue generation for national development. The Sector Commander of the Oti Collection, William Appah, expressed confidence in the collection’s ability to surpass its revenue target for the year. This assurance highlights the commitment and dedication of the officers in the Oti Region towards achieving revenue goals.
In the Volta Region, Brigadier-General Annan visited the Honuta, Shia, and Nyive Border stations. These visits provided him with firsthand insight into the operational realities and challenges faced by officers on the ground. He reiterated the importance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and innovation in their daily operations. The Commissioner commended the officers for their dedication and unwavering commitment to duty, recognizing their crucial role in safeguarding the borders and facilitating legitimate trade. His presence on the ground served as a morale booster, demonstrating management’s support and appreciation for their efforts.
A significant highlight of the Commissioner’s visit was the donation of army combat boots to officers stationed at key stations in both regions. This practical gesture acknowledged the demanding nature of their work, often involving patrols in challenging terrain and confronting smuggling activities. The provision of robust footwear is essential for enhancing their mobility, comfort, and safety while carrying out their duties. It demonstrates management’s recognition of the importance of investing in the well-being and operational effectiveness of its officers. The boots are expected to significantly improve patrol capabilities, enhance surveillance efforts, and bolster anti-smuggling operations, especially in remote communities within the Oti and Volta enclaves. This enhanced capability will contribute to more effective border control, reducing smuggling activities and protecting national revenue.
The Sector Commanders of both the Ho and Oti Collections expressed their gratitude for the timely donation, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve operational efficiency and revenue protection. They acknowledged the practical benefits of the boots, highlighting their positive impact on the officers’ ability to perform their duties effectively. This donation signifies a tangible investment in the operational readiness of the customs officers, demonstrating the GRA’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for effective border management. The improved working conditions and enhanced operational capabilities will undoubtedly contribute to increased revenue collection and strengthened border security.
The Commissioner’s visit served multiple purposes: assessing operational effectiveness, engaging with officers and stakeholders, motivating the workforce, and providing essential resources. The donation of army combat boots symbolizes the GRA’s commitment to supporting its officers on the ground and equipping them for the challenges they face. The positive response from the Sector Commanders further underscores the significance of this gesture and its potential to enhance operational efficiency and revenue protection. The Commissioner’s visit and the provision of essential resources demonstrate the GRA’s proactive approach to border management and its dedication to achieving national revenue targets. This proactive approach not only strengthens border security and facilitates legitimate trade but also contributes to national development by ensuring effective revenue collection.
