The legacy of late former President John Evans Atta Mills has surged back into public discourse following recent comments made by Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. His remarks, which criticized the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for alleged negligence, have prompted widespread discussions on social media, particularly around issues of revenue loss and accountability.
During a meeting with customs officials on February 21, 2026, Dr. Forson expressed his dismay over significant revenue leakages attributed to smuggling activities. He stated, “I am very disgusted about what happened yesterday and very, very, very disappointed.” The Minister’s frustration stemmed from the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation, including high unemployment rates and the struggles to finance educational initiatives.
Dr. Forson characterized the situation as akin to “organised crime,” criticizing a collective effort to deceive the country. His comments quickly reignited the memories of Atta Mills, who similarly addressed issues of corruption within customs during his presidency. Social media platforms were flooded with clips of Mills from 2010, where he voiced concerns about corruption in the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
In one notable instance during an unannounced visit to revenue agencies, Mills lamented about corrupt practices among customs officials, saying, “I have pain in my heart because some of your colleagues are spoiling your good name.” He highlighted ongoing issues such as collusion and bribery, indicating that these problems had severe repercussions for the economy, particularly during a time of budget deficits.
Responding to Mills’ assertions in 2010, the Deputy Commissioner of CEPS at the time, Isaac Apronti, acknowledged the challenges in combating corruption and assured that investigations were ongoing. However, the persistent issues within customs have continued to draw criticism over the years.
The recent scandal involving a reported GH¢85 million transit fraud has further escalated demands for reform within the customs division. Dr. Forson has pledged to implement significant changes to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability and stringent actions against any involved officials.
Public responses to both the Minister’s remarks and the resurfacing of Mills’ statements have highlighted a demand for decisive action against corruption. Many social media users have urged for thorough investigations and consequences for those found complicit in fraudulent activities, reflecting a collective frustration with the status quo.
