Customs loses human resource as ageing staff retire

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will lose a lot of its human resource in the next two years because of ageing staff.
Two hundred management staff have retired so far this year and 240 more are set to go on retirement in the next two years.

Speaking at a send off party for eight retiring management staff of the division, the Deputy Commissioner of Human Resource Unit of the division, Mr Ussuri Ibrahim Adams, said retirement was inevitable but “we have to do something about replacement of the workers”.

The senior customs officers who have served between 24 and 39 years include Assistant Commissioners Mr Kweku Asamoah Twum, Mr Beckley Ben  and Ms Elizabeth M. Ofori.

The rest who were Chief Revenue Officers  are Mr William Apeadu, Rexford Apotey, Ms Margaret Dogbedo, Mr Abukari Mohammed and Ms Rebecca Assah.

Effect of Retirement
In a farewell message, Mr Adams said “looking at the structure of the Customs Division within the next two years, 240 staff would retire. It means we are going to lose a lot of brains in the next two years.”

He noted, however, that  “even though we lose the experience and skills gained over the long years of service when people retire it also provides opportunity for the young  to climb the professional ladder.”

Mr  Adams indicated  that the retiring officers would be invited occasionally to share their experiences during training programmes for junior officers.

The Commissioner of the Customs Division, Mr Wallace Akondor, commended the retiring officers for their stewardship and legacy.
He urged them to be ambassadors of the Customs Division, saying “wherever you find yourselves you must be advocates of the Customs Division. Let people understand our mission and vision.”

After receiving citations and flat screen television sets, Mrs Ofori, on behalf of her retiring colleagues expressed gratitude to all staff of the division for their support.

writer’s email” emelia.ennin.graphic.com.gh