A political analyst, writer, and researcher, Richard Kasu, has hailed the appointment of Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd) as Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing it as a bold and strategic step towards combatting illicit trade and revitalising the national economy.
Brig. Gen. Annan, appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, assumes office with a distinguished background in national security and border control. His appointment comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with the far-reaching effects of illicit economic activities, including smuggling, tax evasion, and unregulated trade in pharmaceuticals and tobacco products.
Optimism
In a statement, Mr. Richard Kasu, a native of Tafi Abuife in the Volta Region, expressed his profound optimism about the new Customs Commissioner’s capacity to lead a transformative agenda within the GRA.
“Brigadier General Annan’s appointment marks a new era for Ghana’s customs administration – one that is agile, vigilant, and uncompromising in its mission to safeguard the nation’s economic future. Illicit trade deprives the government of significant revenue, stifles innovation, and deters both local and foreign investment. His leadership will be pivotal in reversing these trends,” Mr. Kasu said in the statement.
Mr. Kasu emphasised that the appointment signalled a renewed national focus on combatting illicit trade and organised crime – twin threats that not only erode government revenue but also endanger public health and undermine the country’s development trajectory.
“Ghana must decisively tackle illegal activities such as cocoa smuggling, illegal gold mining, the trade in unregulated pharmaceutical products, and the evasion of customs duties. Brig. Gen. Annan’s extensive experience and dedication to national service make him the ideal person to lead this charge,” Mr. Kasu noted in his statement.
Concerted effort
He called for a concerted effort by all stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support Brig. Gen. Annan’s vision. “This is not just a change in leadership; it is a call to action for a coordinated national effort to protect our economy, support local industry, and ensure that every cedi due the state is rightfully collected,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President’s spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, also released an official statement, describing Brig. Gen. Annan as “a well-respected, principled, and patriotic officer.” He disclosed that the Commissioner had been tasked with “resetting the Customs Division and supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority to meet its targets as we work towards fixing the economy.”
Past commissioner
Brig. Gen. Annan takes over from Brig. Gen. Ziblim Ayorrogo, under whose leadership the Customs Division exceeded its 2024 revenue target by collecting GH¢152.977 billion against a target of GH¢145.998 billion. The outgoing Commissioner also oversaw a range of enforcement actions targeting smuggled pharmaceutical, tobacco, and household products.
In acknowledging the work of his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Annan pledged to continue building on the strong foundation laid during Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo’s tenure. He reiterated his commitment to institutional excellence, enhanced border security, and a revitalised Customs Division aligned with national development priorities.
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