The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division celebrated International Customs Day, calling for enhanced support to strengthen Ghana’s border security.
The event, theme “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment”, was attended by many dignitaries, including the Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Darko, GRA Commissioner General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, and Major General Carl Modey (Retired), among others.
Prince Wiafe, Chief Revenue Officer of the Customs Division, explained how customs operations monitor and control the trans-boundary movement of goods.
He stated, “A country that cannot control what comes into it or goes out of it does not stand a chance of controlling what happens within it.”
Wiafe highlighted that customs’ mandate extends beyond revenue collection to include the detection of illicit trade, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, and the proliferation of small arms.
Officers employ intelligence-led operations, modern scanning technologies, mobile laboratories, and specialized counter-terrorism units to enforce regulations and protect society.
Several officers were recognized for their exceptional service, reflecting the dedication and vigilance of the division in safeguarding the nation.
Emphasizing collaboration, Wiafe noted, “Customs does not work in silos… there is always collaboration and teamwork with existing organizations,” referring to partnerships with the military, national security institutions, and other regulatory bodies.
On operational achievements, he highlighted seizures of arms at Takoradi and Tema port, interception of unlicensed jewelry at airports, and the use of modern mobile laboratories equipped with FTIR, Raman detectors, and flashpoint testers.
“These equipment are used by the customs laboratory to perform risk analysis, tips, information, pinpoints, operations,” he explained.
He called for strengthened support, stating, “Support customs and we can do even more. We can also enhance personnel logistics and have better capacity building to have stronger qualifications to do what we are really called to do.”
The event, according to customs underscored its ongoing commitment to vigilance, societal protection, and the facilitation of legitimate trade across Ghana’s borders.
