Aaron Kanor, Acting Commissioner of Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has called for strengthened collaboration with Togo Customs. This partnership aims to enhance trade facilitation and boost revenue mobilisation along their shared border. His maiden working visit to Aflao Collection initiated these discussions.
The visit assessed operations and improved efficiency within the Customs sector. Mr. Kanor familiarised himself with border activities and evaluated revenue mobilisation efforts. He also deepened stakeholder engagement within the Ghana–Togo trade corridor. This initiative addresses persistent challenges faced by traders and Customs officials alike.
This push for collaboration aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to leverage regional trade. Efficient border management is crucial for increasing trade volumes and improving national revenue. Data consistently shows that frictionless cross-border trade contributes significantly to local economies. This supports the government’s efforts to diversify revenue sources beyond traditional sectors.
Mr. Kanor spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) about the tour. He said it provided an opportunity to encourage officers to uphold their mandate of revenue collection and trade facilitation. He urged professionalism, integrity, and discipline among Customs officers. Balancing revenue mobilisation with legitimate trade facilitation remains a key focus.
Customs officials often encounter challenges related to inadequate understanding of procedures by traders. Mr. Kanor has urged officers to patiently guide traders. This guidance is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding hindrances to trade, like harassment or extortion. Improved clarity on customs processes can reduce delays and boost efficiency.
The Acting Commissioner led a delegation to Lomé, Togo, where he met with Customs officials. Mr. Komi Tekou, Director in charge of the Gulf Region for Togolese Customs, led their team. They discussed improved coordination, including information sharing and joint efforts. These efforts will streamline the movement of transit goods across their respective entry points. Mr. Tekou welcomed the engagement and committed to working closely with Ghana.
Back in Aflao, Mr. Kanor reiterated the need to “put Ghana first” to officers. He also met with the National Cross-Border Women Traders’ Association. They raised concerns about delays, multiple checkpoints, and procedural issues. Mr. Kanor assured the traders of Customs’ commitment to addressing these bottlenecks. He encouraged them to embrace formal trading systems and use ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Schemes. These schemes offer preferential tariffs and ease of movement for goods within the West African bloc.
Mr. Kanor also inspected operations at Kpoglu and Akanu border posts. He visited enforcement checkpoints at Havi and Dabala. These inspections aimed to assess ongoing activities and interact with officers. The renewed commitment among Customs officials and stakeholders points to improved border management. This ultimately supports national development through efficient trade systems. The push for formal trading and regional cooperation aims to increase revenue collection. This revenue is vital for public finance and economic stability.