International Customs Day commemorated

This year's International Customs Day has been commemorated with a call on Customs personnel to embrace collaboration and innovation to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs operations. 

The day is an annual event observed on January 26 each year. It was established by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), an independent intergovernmental organisation that facilitates international trade and promotes effective customs administrations.

\At an event held on the premises of Meridian Ports Services last Monday,  the Commissioner, Customs Division of the GRA, Brig. Gen. Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, who delivered a message on behalf of the Secretary-General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, said efficient and secure customs operations contributed directly to national and global prosperity by facilitating trade and fostering economic development.

Focus

Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo said this year, special focus was being placed on the need to turn commitments into tangible actions that advanced trade facilitation, ensuring security and fostering sustainable economic growth as part of the WCO’s theme for 2025: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”.

“Efficiency, security and prosperity are permanent global aims, achieved through steadfast efforts to improve everything Customs does.

Efficiency, in particular, is powered by the modernisation of Customs procedures and the development of digital services, the promotion of data-driven operations and analytical tools, the use of inspection and monitoring devices, and cooperation and engagement with public and private entities.

In the security realm, Customs’ activities range from bolstering supply chain security to preventing the movement of illicit goods, combating money laundering, and enhancing crisis preparedness.

“The ultimate goal, prosperity, depends on our ability to ensure fair revenue collection, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, support sustainable economic development, and create inclusive policies, procedures and environments that take into account the diverse needs of the citizens we serve,” he added.

The Sector Commander, Tema Collection of the Customs Division, GRA, Theresa Potakey, in her welcoming address, said personnel of the service were committed to upholding the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in their customer operation, adding that they recognised the importance of collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders in achieving set targets.

Critical role

A former Commissioner of the Customs Division, Alhaji Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah, who chaired the event, said Customs played a critical role in facilitating global trade, protecting nation borders and promoting economic growth, emphasising that those roles were often unseen but its impact was felt by businesses, communities and individuals around the world.

Alhaji Iddisah said security at the borders was paramount, urging personnel to remain vigilant in the efforts to protect the country’s borders and prevent illicit trade.

He encouraged personnel to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and excellence in their work.

Welfare

The National Secretary of the Customs Staff Association, Gift Emmanuel Tsamah, called on the incoming board and management of GRA to reconsider and introduce the stalled health insurance scheme for retired staff of the service who had sacrificed and laboured for the Authority and the country.

He stressed that the current GH¢1,500 reimbursement for medical bills was inadequate to cover medical bills.

Awards

As part of the commemoration, some personnel of the Customs Division across the country were presented with certificates and citations in recognition of the exceptional services provided and commitment to promoting and safeguarding operations of the Customs Division of the GRA in revenue mobilisation.

Among the award winners were the members of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme implementation team whose work included facilitating trade and enhancing revenue mobilisation.

The AEO programme is a key component of the WCO Safe Framework of Standards regime aimed at enhancing the security and efficiency of the international supply chain. 

Writer’s email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh