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The outgoing Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, has officially handed over authority to the new Acting Commissioner, Aaron Kanor.
The handover ceremony took place at the forecourt of the Customs Headquarters in Accra, marked by a display of military precision, including a rifle display, March on Parade, inspection of the parade, trooping of the band, drill demonstrations, and the ceremonial pulling of a pick-up vehicle carrying the outgoing commissioner by senior officers.
The event brought together Deputy Commissioners, sector commanders, heads of security services, Commissioners of SSD and DTRD, as well as family and friends.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Stan Dogbey; Commissioner-General of GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong; Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama; and others.
The transition follows the appointment of Mr Aaron Kanor as Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division by President John Dramani Mahama, with immediate effect. The appointment was announced in a press release issued by the Authority on February 23, 2026.
In his address, Brigadier General Annan thanked President Mahama and the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the institution.
He said that despite a challenging fiscal environment, the Customs Division mobilised approximately GH¢51.4 billion in revenue last year, representing a 14 per cent growth. “Although the Division fell short of its target by nine per cent, the performance reflects the unwavering dedication of officers stationed at borders, checkpoints and offices nationwide,” he noted.
He highlighted that the Division faces an ambitious revenue target of GH¢67.5 billion this year but expressed confidence that officers would “not only meet but exceed the target” through resilience and determination.
Key achievements under his leadership included the operationalisation of a Customs Police Unit and a Marine Unit, the establishment of a hospital dedicated to Customs officers, comprehensive training programmes for both junior and senior officers, and a state-of-the-art automotive and conference facility at headquarters.
As he transitioned from office, Brigadier General Annan urged staff to extend the same spirit of cooperation, loyalty, and dedication to the incoming Acting Commissioner. “Institutions do not thrive on individuals; they thrive on continuity, unity and collective purpose,” he said, calling on officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kanor pledged to lead the Division with professionalism, integrity, and innovation.
“I am grateful for the confidence His Excellency has placed in me, and I will work diligently with all stakeholders to contribute our best to the success of his reset agenda,” he said.
He extended appreciation to his predecessor, commending Brigadier General Annan’s leadership and significant milestones achieved under his tenure.
“I will work closely with each and every officer to ensure that we deliver on our mandate — to facilitate legitimate trade, protect our borders and collect the revenue due the state,” Mr Kanor added, emphasising that professionalism, innovation, and collaboration would define his leadership approach.
He also pledged to leverage technology to improve operations, strengthen risk management systems, and enhance partnerships with border communities as well as regional and international organisations.
Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of GRA, cautioned officers against complicity in unethical conduct, stressing that “corruption does not occur by accident. Containers do not redirect themselves. Manifests do not forge themselves. Tracking devices do not go dark by accident. This is not a failure of systems; it is a failure of people.”
He assured that the Authority would offer no protection to officers found to have engaged in unethical conduct, promising full cooperation with investigations and vowing that “there will be no quiet transfers and no institutional shelter.”
Mr Sarpong commended Brigadier General Annan’s emphasis on teamwork and humility in leadership and pledged the full support of the Authority to Mr Kanor, challenging him to build upon the high standards set by his predecessor.
