Customs Commissioner Tours W/R Border Posts

The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Aaron Kanor, has undertaken a week-long working tour of border posts in the Western Region to assess the working conditions of officers and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders.

The visit, his first official field tour since assuming office, took him to several Customs operational areas within the Elubo Sector, including the Elubo Main Border Post, Cocoa Town (an unapproved route), the Saminye Patrol Base, Half Assini and its outposts at Ellandar Wharf, Jaway Wharf and Appolenu, as well as the New Town outpost.

The Commissioner was accompanied by two Deputy Commissioners of the Customs Division—Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mrs. Theresa Potakey, and Deputy Commissioner responsible for the Suspense Regime, Mrs. Nana Birago Owusu-Ansah.

Speaking during the tour, Mr. Kanor said it was important for every Customs Commissioner to visit operational areas at least once during their tenure to gain first-hand knowledge of conditions on the ground.

“This is my maiden visit as Commissioner of Customs to appraise myself of what is happening at our border posts. It is important to understand the realities our officers face so that informed decisions can be taken to improve operations,” he said.

Mr. Kanor described the tour as refreshing, noting that he had productive engagements with Customs officers, border security commanders, freight clearing agents and other stakeholders operating within the border communities.

He said the visit was aimed at promoting trade facilitation, strengthening national security, deepening collaboration among agencies and ensuring that border communities remained safe and secure.

The Commissioner observed that the interactions had reinforced the importance of coordinated efforts among Customs, other security agencies and the trading community in safeguarding Ghana’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.

A major highlight of the tour was Mr. Kanor’s visit to the remote Appolenu outpost, where he travelled by a small boat to meet officers stationed there. Customs officers described the visit as unprecedented, saying no sitting customs commissioner had previously visited the duty post.

According to the officers, the commissioner’s presence significantly boosted their morale and confidence, with many expressing appreciation for the direct engagement and urging that such visits become a regular feature.

During discussions, personnel raised concerns over several operational challenges, including the poor state of access roads to some border posts, inadequate accommodation, staff shortages and the lack of operational vehicles.

Mr. Kanor assured the officers that management had taken note of their concerns and would work towards addressing the challenges to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.

He reiterated the Customs Division’s commitment to creating a conducive working environment for officers while enhancing revenue mobilisation, border security and trade facilitation across the country’s frontiers.

 

 

 

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