In the course of a recent meeting with the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam expressed apprehension regarding the persistently high levels of corruption perceptions at Ghana's ports.

Dr. Amin Adam highlighted ongoing revenue losses attributed to the activities of clearing agents, shipping companies, and certain customs officials, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.

Assuming office following President Akufo-Addo's ministerial reshuffle on February 14, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized the crucial need to close existing loopholes to optimize revenue generation for national development.

In his visit to the GRA on Monday, February 19, Dr. Amin Adam stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in revenue collection processes.

“It is also time to roll out and expand the E-VAT mechanism, despite whatever challenges exist. We saw the potential collections from the Pilot Phase. We cannot continue to prolong and delay the implementation, especially under the programme.

"We must also work with renewed urgency towards reducing human contact in the revenue processes and introduce a faceless assessment system. This is a sure way to give taxpayers a great experience and boost revenue mobilisation."

“Commissioner-General, as you may be aware, the perception of corruption in the ports of trade and entry remains very high. I have seen reports that tend to confirm some of these perceptions.

"And I know you all have received similar reports. We continue to lose revenue through the actions and inactions of clearing agents, shipping companies, and some of our own customs officials."

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam further emphasized that Ghana faces significant challenges if it does not fulfill certain tax obligations necessary to meet targets set by the International Monetary Fund.

He urged the Ghana Revenue Authority to take proactive measures to address any deficiencies in revenue generation processes.

“The Barekese and Owabi WTPs as well as the Achiase Booster Station have been experiencing power outages in the last few weeks. This has made it difficult to produce and transmit potable water to our cherished customers and the public,” said a statement from the company.

The water company says its management has notified the ECG of the challenges, as it “counts on ECG to improve power supply to all GWL installations in the region to enable GWL to serve the metropolis with the constant flow of water. Management regrets the inconvenience the challenge may have caused”.