Excerpt
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is a paramilitary organization integral to Ghana’s national security and economic framework. Its responsibilities encompass revenue mobilization, trade facilitation, and ensuring public safety.
Job Roles
The Customs Division’s primary functions include:
Revenue Mobilization:
- Collecting duties and taxes on imports and exports to support national development.
Trade Facilitation:
- Streamlining legitimate trade processes to enhance economic growth.
Public Security and Safety:
- Protecting Ghana’s territorial integrity through preventive operations at both approved and unapproved borders.
These roles are executed through various specialized departments:
- Port Operations: Managing activities at seaports and airports.
- Preventive Unit: Conducting border patrols to prevent smuggling.
- Post Clearance Unit: Verifying goods after clearance to ensure compliance.
- Petroleum Operations: Overseeing the import and export of petroleum products.
- Suspense Regimes: Managing goods under customs control pending duty payment.
- Mining Operations: Regulating the import and export of mining-related goods.
Constitutional Mandate
The Customs Division operates under the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791), which mandates it to:
- Collect and account for import and export duties, taxes, and other levies.
- Prevent smuggling and ensure compliance with trade regulations.
- Protect revenue by enforcing customs laws.
Leadership and Ranks:
The leadership structure of the Customs Division is hierarchical, comprising the following ranks:
- Junior Collection Assistant 3rd Class
- Junior Collection Assistant 2nd Class
- Junior Collection Assistant 1st Class
- Collection Assistant 3rd Class
- Collection Assistant 2nd Class
- Collection Assistant 1st Class
- Assistant Collector
- Collector
- Senior Collector 1
- Principal Collector
- Senior Collector 2
- Assistant Commissioner
- Deputy Commissioner
- Commissioner
The Commissioner is the highest-ranking officer, overseeing all operations and reporting directly to the President of Ghana. Promotions within the division are based on performance, experience, and adherence to service protocols.
Offices and Units
The Customs Division maintains offices at strategic points across the country, including:
- Harbors
- Airports
- Land borders
- Parcel posts
- Inland offices
These locations facilitate efficient monitoring and control of goods entering and exiting Ghana.
Recruitment and Leadership Promotions
Recruitment into the Customs Division is conducted periodically, with announcements made through official channels. Prospective candidates must meet specific criteria, including:
- Ghanaian citizenship
- Age between 18 and 30 years
- Possession of a minimum of a Senior High School Certificate
- Medical, physical, and psychological fitness
- No criminal record
Promotions are merit-based, considering factors such as performance, experience, and educational qualifications.
Appointment of Overseers
The appointment of senior officers, including the Commissioner, is typically conducted by the government, following established protocols and procedures. These appointments are based on merit, experience, and the individual’s ability to lead and uphold the division’s mandate.
Operations
The Customs Division carries out its duties through:
Border Patrols:
- Monitoring and securing all entry and exit points to prevent illegal activities.
Goods Examination:
- Inspecting imports and exports to ensure compliance with regulations.
Documentation Verification:
- Reviewing trade documents to prevent fraud and revenue loss.
Enforcement Actions:
- Implementing measures against smuggling and other illegal trade practices.
Reference:
- https://gra.gov.gh/customs/
- https://www.recruitmentform.net/ghana-customs-recruitment/
- https://answersafrica.com/ghana-customs-service-salary-and-ranks.html
- Shake Up At GRA, Army Officer Takes Over Customs – DailyGuide Network
- Customs have capacity to support 24-hour port operations
- Customs-Act-2015.pdf