Editorial: Revenue target missed

A total amount of GH¢56billion tax revenue was raised in the 2025 operational year, Commissioner of Customs Brigadier-General Glover Ashong Annan said at the International Customs Day observance.

Established by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in 1953, it highlights the importance of Customs in economic growth and supply chain security.

Unfortunately, the amount falls short of the 2025 GH¢60billion target. The Customs Division was given a minimum target of GH¢60billion from the more than GH¢200billion overall revenue target.

Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance, spoke at the event and said revenue leakages directly undermine Ghana’s national development efforts. He added that public resources lost through unethical practices deprive the country of critical development opportunities.

The Deputy Finance Minister cautioned that corruption within the Customs system has far-reaching consequences beyond revenue shortfalls. Funds lost through corruption translate into unbuilt schools, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities and reduced access to safe water and sanitation.

Brigadier-General Annan acknowledged there are gaps to be filled and added that his division remains committed to raising the bar. The division’s adaption to new security systems clearly demonstrates readiness to tackle corruption in revenue collection.

While the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has faced challenges in meeting revenue targets for specific years due to economic factors, it has also demonstrated resilience by exceeding targets in others – particularly 2021 and 2024.

Domestic revenue mobiliation is crucial in meeting the various developmental projects earmarked by government, which is why Mr. Ampem harped on corruption to Custom officials. The only way around it is for the processes to be automated and the country has invested substantially in automation.

This will ensure revenue due the state is realised without too many hiccups. It will also be helpful if targets are realistic and not too difficult to meet.

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