Tax collectors must work diligently – GRA boss

Mr. George Blankson, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has advised tax collectors in active service they should work diligently as they resolve to plan for their pensions and retirement.

"Tax collection is a profession that engenders a lot of mistrust and suspicion, arising from the fact that people find it difficult to willingly pay their tax. In our own small way, each and every one of us here has contributed to our nation-building and I congratulate you all for the various roles played."

Mr. Blankson said this in Accra when the Authority held an awards ceremony for more than 130 workers who retired from the Authority in 2014.

The workers, made up of 61 senior and 78 junior officers, had served the Authority in different capacities for between 10 and 40 years. They each received plaques and flat screen televisions.

Mr. Blankson congratulated the retirees for their dedicated contributions to the Authority over the years, adding that: "Their journey has not been a bed of roses. We have together gone through the twists and turns of this journey but have remained focused".

He said the job of revenue mobilisation was fraught with risk, and requires restraint and self-control, adding that the officers must count it as a blessing to have served for such long periods without trouble. He said the board and management are prepared to support staff on how to prepare for retirement, by taking advantage of various schemes and programme, to make the days outside the office pleasant ones.

Mr. Blankson urged the retirees to make themselves available for opportunities such as the health support that the GRA provides for them to make their retirement comfortable, and engage in social activities to keep their minds active.

"GRA values staff welfare and motivation highly, and as such management has continued to provide improved working conditions and an enhanced package for staff who retire honourably.

"Last year, the GRA Employee Wellbeing organised a training programme for selected staff to ensure that every staff is adequately prepared to go through the retirement transition smoothly.

"It is my hope that as we retire from active service, we will endeavour to lead healthy lives so we can enjoy fruits of the hard work we have done during our working lives," he remarked.