The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Aaron Kannor, has embarked on a working tour of the Oti Region to motivate frontline officers, assess operational challenges and strengthen revenue mobilisation across the region.
The visit comes shortly after Mr Kannor’s confirmation as the substantive Commissioner of Customs, having previously served in an acting capacity. The tour is intended to give him first-hand knowledge of the working conditions and difficulties faced by Customs officers, particularly those stationed at remote border posts.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Chronicle, Mr Kannor explained that his visit was not merely ceremonial but an opportunity to engage directly with officers and understand their challenges.
“I don’t want to be sitting in Accra to receive reports,” he stated, emphasising his commitment to experiencing the realities of frontline Customs operations.
The Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mrs Theresah Potaki, and Deputy Commissioner in charge of the Suspense Regime, Mrs Birago Owusu-Ansah.
During the working tour, the delegation visited several Customs checkpoints, including Menusi, Tindjase, Poase Cement and Ahamanso, where officers perform their duties under challenging conditions.
In Dambai, the Oti Regional capital, Mr Kannor and his delegation paid courtesy calls on the Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Gyapong, as well as representatives of various security agencies.
GRA Customs Commissioner Engages Ghanaian and Togolese Counterparts
In a significant development, Mr Kannor also crossed the Ghana-Togo border to hold discussions with Customs counterparts in the neighbouring francophone country.
The cross-border engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Togo in key areas, including border security, revenue collection, trade facilitation and the fight against smuggling and other transnational crimes along the Oti corridor.
Discussions focused on improving collaboration among security agencies, providing operational support to Customs officers and developing effective strategies to facilitate legitimate cross-border trade while preventing illegal activities.
Aaron Kannor Assures Customs Officers of Better Welfare and Working Conditions
During his interactions with frontline officers, the Customs Commissioner encouraged personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He also reminded officers of the importance of supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority’s national revenue mobilisation targets.
Mr Kannor further assured Customs personnel that their welfare, operational needs and working conditions would remain key priorities under his leadership.
The working tour forms part of efforts to improve Customs administration, strengthen Ghana’s border protection systems, tackle smuggling and enhance domestic revenue generation through effective monitoring of the country’s borders.
Source: newsthemegh.com