A major shake-up has occurred at the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), as Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan officially handed over to Aaron Kanor after being removed from his position amid a suspected transit diversion scandal.
The controversy centers on an alleged scheme involving 18 articulated trucks declared as goods in transit to Niger but intercepted within Ghana. Authorities say the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required under transit protocols.
According to the GRA, intelligence and field surveillance revealed that the consignment — released from the Akanu Border Post under Bill of Entry Number 80226125039 — was expected to exit Ghana at Kulungugu through the Eastern Corridor. The cargo had been declared as 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms.
Twelve of the 18 trucks have so far been impounded. Eleven are being held at the Tema Transit Yard for further inspection and legal processing, while one truck overturned during an attempted evasion. The remaining six trucks are still being pursued.
Initial suspended duties were estimated at GH¢2.6 million. However, detailed examinations later uncovered discrepancies in declared values, tariff classifications, and weights, pushing the revised suspended revenue exposure to GH¢85,306,578.33. Five officers have since been interdicted in connection with the case.
The leadership transition ceremony, held at the Customs Headquarters in Accra, was marked by full military honours, including a parade inspection and ceremonial farewell. Senior officials from the Authority, security services, and government attended the event.
Mr Kanor’s appointment as Acting Commissioner follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama and takes immediate effect. He assumes office at a time when the Division is expected to meet a revenue target of GH¢67.5 billion this year.
In his farewell remarks, Brigadier General Annan reflected on his tenure, noting that the Division mobilised GH¢51.4 billion in revenue last year, representing a 14 percent growth despite missing its target.
He highlighted reforms undertaken under his leadership, including the creation of a Customs Police Unit and Marine Unit, expanded training programmes, and infrastructure improvements at the headquarters. He urged officers to support his successor and maintain unity within the institution.\
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kanor acknowledged the weight of responsibility before him. “As I assume this new role, I recognize the immense responsibility that comes with leading an institution that plays a preeminent role in our country’s economic development, security, and international trade. My staff and I will therefore provide a renewed spirit and direction to this great entity by ensuring that the tasks of which we have been employed are well executed.”
He further emphasized ethical leadership, stating, “Discipline, professional ethics, and integrity shall be our guiding values, upon which we will build a customs administration that is efficient, effective, and customer-friendly. I hereby wish to assure my fellow customs officers that I shall work closely with each and every one of you to ensure that we deliver our mandate to facilitate legitimacy, protect our country’s borders, and collect revenue due to the States.”
Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong cautioned officers against unethical conduct, stressing that corruption would not be tolerated and that the Authority would not shield any individual found culpable.
The change in leadership signals a critical moment for the Customs Division as it works to restore public confidence, tighten enforcement, and safeguard state revenue.
