Accra, 25th March 2024 - The Hon Minster for Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has encouraged revenue officers to double up efforts in increasing revenue mobilisation for the country.
While lauding them for the good work done so far, the Hon Minister said more could be done to ensure that revenue is increased to realise all components of the nation’s budget.
“You would agree with me that despite the good work that is being done, we still have more to do realising the significant revenue generating potential of the GRA Customs Division.
“I am not here today to talk down the progress that has been made in recent years. I am rather here to encourage you to double your effort, so our customs operations help us meet our fiscal targets and move us a few steps closer toward achieving our medium-term revenue target of 20% tax to GDP by 2027,” he added.
Hon Mohammed Adam said these during a working visit to the Tema Collection of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on Monday, 25th March 2024.
Acknowledging the low staff strength of the revenue agencies and the need to beef it up, the Hon Minister called for a collaboration with other security agencies to complement the staffing level.
Dr Amin Adam said that was necessary to be done, “for us to launch war on all those who are involved in smuggling, particularly on the Eastern Corridor Road, and across the borders of the country.”
He pledged the Ministry and government’s unflinching support to make sure that they execute their mandate to the betterment of revenue mobilisation in the country.
“Whilst urging you also to work hard and be diligent in the discharge of your duties, be assured that I will do my best to ensure that officers who work hard are properly motivated,” the Hon Minister said.
He also pledged to see to it that all officers due for promotion received their promotions, and reposed confidence in their capabilities, saying, “we have the tools and ingenuity to make this happen. So, let’s put our best foot forward in service to our Republic.”
The Commissioner-General of GRA, Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu Amoah, indicated that a lot of progress has been made in the port’s digitalization drive and paperless systems.
Such efforts, he said had helped in enhancing revenue mobilisation at the ports, and expressed confidence that the digitalization and paperless systems would lead to increased efficiency at the ports and revenue for the country.
Assistant Commissioner, Christiana Odi Adjei, the Tema Sector Commander, Customs Division, stated that in 2023 the “Tema Collection” was able to collect a colossal amount of GH¢24,399,349,418.96 out of a target of GH¢25,675,090,000.
She also stated that they have raked in an amount of GH¢6,472,854,637.58 out of the GH¢48,080.370.739.63 t2024 target given to the Customs Division of GRA.
She indicated their dedication to implementing robust policies and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability to meet the demands of the modern global trading environment of facilitating trade and mobilizing revenue for the state.
The Assistant Commissioner called for enhanced collaboration and synergy between various stakeholders, including government agencies, port authorities, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and the business community.
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