The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has expressed confidence that the Authority will achieve, or even surpass, its end-of-year revenue targets, thanks to a combination of bold reforms, technological upgrades, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Sarpong emphasized that revenue collection is ultimately about national development, enabling the government to fund critical programs while protecting local businesses and safeguarding jobs. Reflecting on the first half of 2025, he revealed that GRA exceeded its revenue targets by nearly 9%, attributing this success to a committed workforce, strong leadership, and collaborative engagement with taxpayers.
Despite these gains, the Commissioner-General acknowledged persistent challenges in customs operations, including slow and largely manual classification of goods, disputes over country of origin, and smuggling that undermines local industries. To address these, GRA plans to deploy artificial intelligence tools to speed up classification, enhance accuracy, and complement human judgment. Advanced cargo information systems will provide pre-arrival manifests at least 24 hours before shipments arrive, helping to reduce disputes and accelerate clearance. Wide-area satellite monitoring, combined with strengthened human resources at border points, is expected to curb smuggling and protect domestic industries.
Tema Port has already taken the lead in operational improvements. Fully functional 24 hours a day, the port now integrates agencies such as the FDA, EPA, and banks into a single-window system, allowing traders to file documentation and pay duties online without visiting the port physically. This system is designed to streamline trade, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more predictable environment for businesses.
Sarpong also highlighted human resource restructuring as a key part of GRA’s modernization. Staff rotations every two to four years ensure that the right personnel are in the right positions, reduce complacency, and support the implementation of reforms. Stakeholder engagement is another priority, with trade associations, shipping companies, and other government agencies actively involved in shaping and understanding reforms.
With technological innovation, workforce optimization, and collaborative strategies, GRA is positioning itself to not only meet revenue targets but also to facilitate trade, protect jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s national development agenda. “Our aim,” Sarpong said, “is to create a system that works efficiently for the country, for businesses, and for every Ghanaian.”
