The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has opened its 2025 Support Services Division (SSD) Retreat in Ho on the theme: “Transformation for Impact and Growth: Support Services Division as Pivot.”

The event aims to chart a bold new path for the GRA by redefining the role of its Support Services Division as the strategic engine driving institutional reform.

Dr. Alex Adomako-Mensah, Commissioner of the SSD, in his welcome address, called for an urgent shift from incremental change to transformational leadership.

“The GRA of yesterday cannot meet the demands of today, nor seize the opportunities of tomorrow. We will no longer operate in the shadows. We are stepping forward as the backbone of the GRA,” he stated.

He emphasised that Ghana’s economic development hinged on revenue excellence, and the SSD was key to achieving that goal.

He described the division’s personnel as “silent enablers”—HR innovators, logistics coordinators, financial stewards, and training pioneers—whose work is indispensable to national revenue collection.

He outlined five non-negotiable pillars of transformation, incluing Talent Optimization with investments in people through targeted training, leadership development, and merit-based advancement and Operational Excellence by streamlining processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and adopting cutting-edge technologies.

There is also the need for Quality Service Delivery by establishing new standards for responsiveness and effectiveness across all supported divisions and judicious Resource Allocation and also using data to ensure that every cedi is strategically invested as well as embracing emerging tools such as AI and predictive analytics to build GRA’s internal innovation hub.

Dr. Adomako-Mensah announced the immediate launch of a Transformation Steering Committee alongside three pilot projects scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

These initiatives will be monitored using clear KPIs and quarterly performance reviews.

“Will we be remembered as the team that upheld the status quo—or the team that revolutionized GRA? This is our moment,” he charged.

Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, Commissioner of the Customs Division, in a solidarity message, commended the SSD for its foundational role.

“Your work creates the enabling environment for operational excellence in revenue mobilization, trade facilitation, and compliance. Without you, our efforts would be greatly hampered,” he noted.

He described the retreat as a crucial platform for reflection, learning, and strategic alignment, especially as domestic revenue mobilization had become increasingly critical to national development.

He urged the SSD to reaffirm its role as a change agent in the GRA’s transformation agenda.

Mr. Daniel Edisi from the Domestic Tax Revenue Division also commended the SSD, describing the retreat as more than a strategic meeting—it is a family reunion of collaborative partners.

“We fully acknowledge and appreciate your behind-the-scenes efforts that enable our operational success. We are proud to stand with you as partners in progress,” he said.

He encouraged continued unity, professionalism, and shared vision across divisions to achieve the GRA’s mission.

The retreat was attended by directors, staff of the Support Services Division, heads from other GRA divisions, and representatives from the Customs Staff Association.