Block all revenue loopholes – Minister tells Customs

The Volta regional minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa has tasked security and custom officers at the Ghana-Togo border in Aflao to step up efforts in blocking revenue leakages at the eastern frontier.

The border which is a major entry point between Ghana and other West African neighbours has reportedly been recording revenue drops due to increasing smuggling activities along the border.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with Customs and Immigration officers during an unannounced visit to the border, the regional minister entreated the border officials to collaborate effectively to ensure that the right duties are paid on goods entering the country.

“They have to make sure the men patrol the border and I told the immigration officers not only to be interested in the people crossing but also in the goods they are carrying. So that if they accustom someone with goods, they draw the attention of their colleagues Custom officers to assess the goods for the proper duties to be paid,” Dr. Letsa noted.

He noted that the New Patriotic Party government needed a lot of funds to execute projects and programmes promised in its manifesto, hence the need for revenue agencies to block every loophole in revenue mobilization.

“We need these monies to be able to fulfil our manifesto promises to the people. All the promises made by the President can only be fulfilled if we have enough revenue. So an increase in revenue will be a credit to us and the consolidated fund and the budget deficit will also be reduced, if our revenue matches expenditure,” the minister explained.