Customs Commissioner Tells Oti Officers to Put Ghana First

The Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, Mr Aaron Kanor, has called on Customs personnel to place the country's interest above all else in their work. He also warned that management will not accept indiscipline within the ranks.

"We must put Ghana first in everything we do," Mr Kanor told officers during a four-day working visit to the Oti Region, as first reported by Citi News.

The tour, held from February 3 to 6, 2026, is part of a countrywide exercise. According to the report, the exercise aims to review how efficiently Customs operations are running, tighten security at the borders and boost revenue collection.

Mr Kanor travelled with two Deputy Commissioners: Mrs Theresa Potakey, who oversees Operations, and Mrs Nana Birago Owusu Ansah, who is in charge of the Suspense Regime. Mr Christopher Mohammed Mosongo, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, was also part of the delegation.

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The team visited a number of checkpoints that fall under the Dambai Collection. These included Manuso, Atiamanso Post, Poase Cement and Tingyase.

In his meetings with staff, the Commissioner stressed professionalism, discipline and dedication to national security. He reminded officers of their duty to protect state revenue, stop smuggling, keep the public safe and support lawful trade.

He cautioned that management would not tolerate behaviour that could damage the reputation of the Customs Division. He urged personnel to maintain strong work ethics.

Officers at the stations said the visit had lifted their spirits. They said it made them feel valued and closer to the Division's leadership.

They also used the occasion to ask management for more logistical support. In particular, they requested additional vehicles and motorbikes. They said these would help them carry out surveillance, monitoring and patrols, especially on remote routes and at unapproved crossing points.

Mr Kanor said he had taken note of their concerns. He assured the officers that management would give priority to resolving their logistical difficulties and improving operational effectiveness.

The Oti Region was the latest stop on the Commissioner's nationwide tour. He has already visited the Upper East, Volta, Western, Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

He is expected to travel to the remaining regions to meet officers directly and assess the challenges they face. The visits are also meant to rally staff towards meeting the Customs Division's national revenue targets.

At the end of the Oti visit, officers in the region pledged to keep protecting Ghana's revenue and securing its borders. They also committed to keeping the national interest at the heart of their work.