Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, has directed the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau as part of measures aimed at strengthening border controls and preventing revenue losses.
The directive, according to the minister, will establish a one-stop shop for customs valuation while improving intelligence sharing within the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Dr. Forson explained that the move will also allow authorities to take advantage of insights generated through the Publican AI system to enhance monitoring and enforcement activities at the country’s entry points.
He noted that the reforms are intended to tighten oversight within the Customs Division and address loopholes that have contributed to revenue leakages.
“These measures are intended to strengthen border controls, close revenue leakages, and safeguard government revenue,” the Finance Minister stated in a Facebook post on Monday, March 9.
Dr. Forson further directed all relevant departments and operational units within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure strict compliance with the new directives.
The recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau is expected to improve coordination among customs officials, enhance valuation processes, and boost the government’s efforts to protect state revenue collected from imports and other border-related activities.
The Minister announced the directive after a meeting with the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Aaron Akanor, and the management of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority on Monday to discuss the recent developments at Ghana’s borders and to take decisive steps to protect Ghana’s revenue.
