GRA service personnel cautioned against ‘cutting corners’

The Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has called on the 2024/2025 National Service personnel (NSP) posted to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to uphold integrity throughout their service year, and refrain from unethical practices like cutting corners.

He made the call during an orientation programme organised by the NSA, in collaboration with GRA, to provide essential information to the personnel about their roles and responsibilities in the revenue-generating body.

Mr. Assibey Antwi emphasised the importance of diligence and hard work.

“I must indicate that GRA is a vast institution, and wherever you are posted, you must embrace it wholeheartedly. Don’t cut corners. Besides, God might be orchestrating something big for you,” he stated.

Innovative & proactive

The Director General also stressed the value of being proactive and innovative, recounting a success story of seven previous service personnel who identified and solved a problem during their service year. According to him, these personnel collaborated with the NSA’s business development unit to address the issue, which eventually led to them securing permanent employment with the company.

“You see the need to identify problems and solve them. Years ago, some seven NSP realised a problem and confronted me with it. With my business development unit, solutions were proffered, and as I speak, they’re permanent staff of the company simply because they were proactive,” he indicated. He encouraged the personnel to use their service year as a stepping stone for future career success.

Mr. Osei Assibey also stressed the significance of networking and personal development during the service year, urging the personnel to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.

Diligence and dedication

The Head of Revenue Mobilisation at the NSA, Eric Okyei, advised the personnel to set themselves apart through dedication and diligence. He shared statistics indicating that only 10% of National Service personnel secure employment immediately after completing their service, underscoring the importance of making the most of the service year.

“Research has proven that only 10% of you, as personnel, land job offers after completing your national service. The onus lies on you; carve a niche for yourself and be very dedicated,” he stated.

For his part, Assistant Commissioner of Employee Relations and Welfare at GRA, David Dekpor, warned against lateness, truancy and indecent dressing. He urged the personnel to exhibit professionalism, and be mindful of their behaviour in the workplace.

The Assistant Commissioner of Recruitment, Placements, and Promotions, Patrick Larteh, also urged the personnel to embrace their postings, and view them as opportunities for learning and networking.