The Upper East Regional Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has exceeded its revenue target for the year 2024, marking a significant achievement in revenue collection and trade facilitation. The Sector Commander for the Customs Division of GRA – Bolgatanga, Samuel Owusu, said his outfit was given a revenue target of Ghc74,790,000.00.
“By the grace of God and through hard work, we collected Ghc90,615,310.22, exceeding the target by a whopping Ghc15,825,310.22. This represents a positive deviation of 70% of the budget target and over 21.16% of the stretched target,” he announced.
The Sector Commander disclosed this impressive feat during the 2024 End of Year Party and Awards Night held at the Lapam Zorkor Hotel over the weekend.
He attributed the success chalked to the dedication and commitment of staff, clearing agencies, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders. Mr. Owusu commended his team for their tireless efforts, passion, and commitment, emphasizing that their hard work had propelled the agency to this remarkable accomplishment.
Despite the success, he acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2024 year under review, including inadequate vehicles, motorcycles, weighing scales, scanners, and other operational logistics, as well as limited accommodation for both residential and office use. However, he noted that the agency had adopted strategic solutions, leading to several self-help projects that strengthened operational efficiency.
Among these projects are the construction of a new Parade Square at the Zuarungu Station, the ongoing Baggage Hall and Office construction at Paga (50% complete), an Office Space at Dabilla at Missiga Station (70% complete), and two outposts at Kubougo and Sapeliga at Zebilla Station.
Mr. Owusu also emphasized the significant impact of the visits of Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, the Commissioner of Customs to the region, which he described as pivotal in driving policy implementation and efficiency.
Mr. Owusu further lauded the decentralization of the core Customs operational functions of Valuation and Classification—a responsibility previously handled by the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB). This move, he explained, has significantly reduced processing and clearance times, thereby improving trade facilitation and, ultimately, increasing revenue.
As part of the celebrations, some deserving staff members of the Upper East Regional Customs Division of the GRA were honored with citations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the agency’s success. Their dedication and commitment played a crucial role in exceeding the revenue target for the year 2024.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
