The writer- Richard Kasu
By Richard Kasu
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd) as the new Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Brig. Gen. Annan brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished track record in national security and border control, positioning him as an ideal leader to drive forward the government’s commitment to combatting illicit trade, organised crime and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.
Brig. Gen. Annan’s appointment signals a renewed national focus on tackling illicit trade and organised crime; a pervasive challenge that not only undermines legitimate commerce but also deprives the country of critical revenue and poses a threat to consumer safety. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Ghana seeks to address the growing economic impact of illegal activities, including cocoa smuggling, illegal gold mining, smuggled pharmaceutical products, tax evasion, and the illicit trade in tobacco products, which continue to erode the country’s economic potential.
In an official statement released by the President’s spokesman and Minister of State, Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, he described the Commissioner as a well-respected, dedicated, principled, and patriotic officer. He further stated that Brig. Gen. Annan is tasked with “resetting the Customs Division and supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority to meet its targets as we work towards fixing the economy.” (Click here for source).
Brig. Gen. Annan succeeds Brig. Gen. Ziblim Ayorrogo, the immediate past Commissioner of Customs, under whose leadership the service achieved impressive strides, including a remarkable revenue performance of GH¢152.977 billion, surpassing the 2024 fiscal year target of GH¢145.998 billion.
Under his tenure, various enforcement actions against smuggled products ranging from pharmaceutical products, cigarettes products as well as basic household products were recorded by the Customs Division The new Commissioner commended his predecessor’s leadership and affirmed that the Customs Division will continue to build upon the strong foundation established during her tenure.
In his new role, Brig. Gen. Annan is expected to pursue vigorously a renewed focus for the Customs on institutional excellence and enhanced border security.
Richard Kasu, a renowned political analyst and Researcher, also expressed his heartfelt congratulations and support for the Commissioner’s appointment.
He stated that: “Illicit trade deprives the government of significant revenue, stifles innovation, and deters investment. Brigadier General Annan’s appointment marks a bold and timely step toward a customs administration that is agile, vigilant, and uncompromising in its duty to safeguard the nation’s economic future.”
The Government of Ghana reiterates its full support for Brigadier General Annan’s leadership and agenda. This is also a call to action to all stakeholders in the public and private sectors to collaborate in the ongoing mission to protect Ghana’s economy, support local industries, and ensure that every cedi due to the state is rightfully collected.
Richard Kasu is a Ghanaian political analyst, writer, and researcher hailing from Tafi Abuife in the Volta Region of Ghana.
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