Some 203 senior officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have graduated from the Customs Academy in Kpetoe in the Volta Region.

This follows about nine months of training in customs law and paramilitary exercises.

These officers are expected to be deployed to various GRA offices to support operations and help with revenue mobilization, which has been the key task of the authority.

In a speech on behalf of the Vice President, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia tasked the officers to pursue their mandate with diligence as the state relies on them for domestic revenue to undertake national development.

The Vice President also tasks the new officers to support the transformation of the customs division to be a model of excellence.

"I challenge you to be the generation that will transform Ghana's Customs Division into a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.  The journey ahead will test you, but it will also reward you with the knowledge that your work directly strengthens the foundation of our nation. Ghana's self-reliance begins with public servants who understand that every official action has consequences for national development”, she urged.

The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, congratulated the graduates for the good spirit exhibited during the entire period of the training and assured them of government support in achieving their mandates as Customs Officers.

The Commissioner of the Customs Division, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, in his goodwill message, congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the high integrity of the Ghana Revenue Authority as they are been deployed.

“As you step into your new roles as customs officers, three essential attributes must guide you throughout your career. These are discipline, loyalty and professionalism. Discipline will enable you to execute your duties diligently, uphold the integrity of the Customs Division and remain committed to the principles that govern our profession”, he added.

“Equally, loyalty fosters dedication to the mission of the Customs Division and the broader objectives of the Ghana Revenue Authority”, he charged them.