The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) says it is focusing its development strategy on building the capacity of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) so as to improve revenue generation. 

This was made known at the handing over ceremony of 15 pickups from the development agency to the GRA. 

According to DANIDA, the handing over of the 15 pickups is in line with the agency’s pledge to boost capacity building in the revenue collection of the GRA. 

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Deputy Head of Mission at the Danish embassy, Peter Eilschow Olesen, revealed the agency will be engaging in close talks with the GRA on best ways to meeting their revenue targets.

“The provision of this equipment is expected to boost the capacity of the various units under the customs department in carrying out their functions. It is our hope that the capacity we build within the GRA will enable this institution to better protect Ghana’s borders, guard revenue coffers and strengthen capacity to deliver on meeting their revenue targets,” he revealed. 

On his part, Commissioner General of the GRA, Emmanuel Kofi Nti said the presentation will further enhance the operations of the GRA in terms of revenue mobilization. 

According to him, the move will also assist in the clampdown against the infiltration of prohibited goods.

“Will be up to the task of checking smuggling along Ghana’s borders. The Danish government has supported the GRA in modernization efforts. This has been enormous including offering technical assistance, to help improve revenue generation. We have set high our revenue targets and this new move will help us achieve them very easily,” he stated.

The event also saw a display by the K.9 unit, a dog academy which is one of the projects DANIDA intends to undertake to assist the Customs Division in rummaging of vehicles, identifying contraband goods on persons and packages as well as general patrol duties.

DANIDA-Ghana aid programme 

Meanwhile, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), is hinting of fully terminating all donor support to the country by 2020. 

Peter E. Olessen, says the agency will now be focusing on competitive trade with Ghana and also a capacity building of all government agencies. 
Ghana and Denmark’s development cooperation started in 1957. 

The main development activities of Denmark has been hinged on four pillars with the tax and development program aimed at providing support to accountability through core funding to IMANI and Ghana Integrity Initiative.