Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd)

Renowned Ghanaian development expert and political analyst, Richard Kasu, has expressed absolute confidence in the newly appointed Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd), to excel in his new role.

On May 14, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd) as the new Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In an official statement released by the President’s spokesman and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, he described the Commissioner as a well-respected, dedicated, principled, and patriotic officer.

He further stated that Brig. Gen. Annan is tasked with “resetting the Customs Division and supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority to meet its targets as we work towards fixing the economy.”

Commenting on President Mahama’s decision, Richard Kasu noted that Brig. Gen. Annan brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished track record in national security and border control, positioning him as an ideal leader to drive forward the government’s commitment to combating illicit trade and organized crime, and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.

Richard Kasu, a renowned researcher, also expressed his heartfelt congratulations and support for the Commissioner’s appointment, stating, “Illicit trade deprives the government of significant revenue, stifles innovation, and deters investment. Brigadier General Annan’s appointment marks a bold and timely step toward a customs administration that is agile, vigilant, and uncompromising in its duty to safeguard the nation’s economic future.”

He opined that Brig. Gen. Annan’s appointment signals a renewed national focus on tackling illicit trade and organized crime, a pervasive challenge that not only undermines legitimate commerce but also deprives the country of critical revenue and poses a threat to consumer safety. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Ghana seeks to address the growing economic impact of illegal activities, including cocoa smuggling, illegal gold mining, smuggled pharmaceutical products, tax evasion, and the illicit trade in tobacco products, which continue to erode the country’s economic potential.

Brig. Gen. Annan succeeds Brig. Gen. Ziblim Ayorrogo, the immediate past Commissioner of Customs, under whose leadership the service achieved impressive strides, including a remarkable revenue performance of GH¢152.977 billion, surpassing the 2024 fiscal year target of GH¢145.998 billion.

During his predecessor’s tenure, the Customs Division recorded various enforcement actions against smuggled products, ranging from pharmaceuticals and cigarettes to basic household goods. The new Commissioner commended his predecessor’s leadership and affirmed that the Customs Division will continue to build upon the strong foundation established during his tenure.