Accra: Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has issued a strong warning against corruption and fraud within Customs operations, stressing that revenue leakages directly undermine Ghana's national development efforts. Speaking at the 2026 International Customs Day celebration, Ampem highlighted the necessity for a decisive and sustained fight against corruption, emphasizing that public resources lost through unethical practices deprive the country of critical development opportunities.
According to Ghana Web, the Deputy Finance Minister remarked that revenue mobilization is the backbone of the government's ability to deliver essential services, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sanitation. He warned that corruption within the Customs system has consequences that extend beyond revenue shortfalls. Funds lost through corrupt practices result in unbuilt schools, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, and reduced access to safe water and sanitation, which directly impact citizens' wellbeing.
Ampem underscored the strategic role of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, highlighting its responsibility not only in revenue mobilization but also in protecting Ghana from illicit trade, including drugs, small arms, counterfeit medicines, and substandard goods. He stated that integrity and professionalism within Customs operations are non-negotiable.
The Deputy Finance Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Customs operations through policy reforms, digitalization, and investments in modern infrastructure and technology. These efforts aim to improve efficiency while closing avenues for corruption and fraud.
As Ghana joined the international community under the auspices of the World Customs Organization to mark International Customs Day, Ampem urged Customs officers to recommit themselves to transparency, accountability, and patriotism. He concluded by stressing that protecting national revenue is central to safeguarding Ghana's future, adding that a zero-tolerance approach to corruption is essential to ensuring that every cedi collected works for the benefit of the nation.