The Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has observed revenue from imports will be adversely impacted in December, as businesses adopt a 'wait and see' attitude in the 2024 general election.

Commissioner, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, however, says despite the business uncertainties in the election year, the customs division is assured of meeting revenue mobilization targets.

The Ghana Revenue Authority’s aggregate revenue series provides a baseline for studying changes in customs revenue over time.

The Custom division has acknowledged the deviations in revenue levels particularly in election years and the last quarter periods of the year.

According to the Commissioner, Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, the revenue level indicators are influenced by the watchful stance approach adopted by importers and businesses.

These business trends, along with other shortfalls, directly affect revenue levels, despite the positive indicators this year.

“As the Customs Division, we are making good progress towards our targets. Although the year is not yet over, with more imports expected by December, the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections has led to a “wait-and-see” approach from businesses and importers. This has created some unpredictability in the volume of imports.

“There have been shortfalls in revenue generation and mobilization, but we are employing innovative strategies to bridge the gap. Given the critical nature of this year and the fact that we are in the final quarter, every effort must be intensified. As a result, we have made stakeholder engagement a top priority,” he said.

The Commissioner is on a familiarization visit to the Kumasi Customs Collection.

The visitation is to ascertain the logistics strengths of the various units of customs to improve services, whilst evaluating the living conditions and concerns of customs staff for redress.

Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo addressed the concerns of the Ghana Union of Traders Association on the delay of goods at the port.

He indicated the division is deploying innovative strategies and prioritizing stakeholder engagement to ensure improved revenue collection and custom services.

“Delays in the customs process often arise when there are discrepancies, such as excess quantities, undervaluation, or misdescription of imported goods. When customs intelligence detects such issues, the task force may halt containers for further checks. In cases where problems are identified, traders are urged to remain patient, as these checks are essential and will continue to ensure compliance with trade law,” he said.

The team was led by the Ashanti Sector Commander, Vivian Glover.