Every Cedi Lost to Corruption is a Loss to National Development – Deputy Finance Minister
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has issued a strong warning against corruption and fraud within Ghana’s Customs operations, stressing that revenue leakages directly undermine the country’s development agenda and weaken government’s capacity to deliver essential public services.
Speaking at the 2026 International Customs Day celebration, Mr. Ampem said the fight against corruption must be decisive, sustained and uncompromising, particularly within revenue-generating institutions where the cost of unethical practices is borne by the entire nation.
“We must take decisive steps to eradicate all forms of corruption and fraud, as every cedi lost represents a missed opportunity for national development,” he stated.
According to the Deputy Finance Minister, domestic revenue mobilisation remains the backbone of Ghana’s fiscal sustainability, especially at a time when the country is implementing reforms under an IMF-supported programme and seeking to reduce reliance on external financing.
He cautioned that corruption within the Customs system goes beyond simple revenue losses, noting that it weakens public trust, distorts fair trade, and compromises national security.
“Funds lost through corruption translate directly into unbuilt schools, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities and reduced access to safe water and sanitation. These are real costs that affect the everyday lives of Ghanaians,” Mr. Ampem said.
He underscored the strategic role of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing it as a critical frontline institution not only for revenue mobilisation but also for safeguarding the country against illicit trade.
According to him, Customs officers play a vital role in intercepting drugs, small arms and light weapons, counterfeit medicines, substandard goods and other illegal imports that threaten public health, security and economic stability.
“This dual responsibility makes integrity, professionalism and accountability within Customs non-negotiable,” he stressed.
Mr. Ampem reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Customs operations through policy reforms, digitalisation and investments in modern infrastructure and technology. These measures, he said, are aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing transparency and closing loopholes that enable corruption and fraud.
He noted that ongoing reforms, including the deployment of digital customs management systems and enhanced data integration, are expected to reduce human discretion, improve compliance and increase revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade.
As Ghana joined the international community under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO) to mark International Customs Day, the Deputy Finance Minister urged officers of the Customs Division to recommit themselves to the core values of transparency, accountability and patriotism.
He called on Customs personnel to see their work not merely as a job, but as a national service with direct implications for Ghana’s development trajectory.
“Protecting national revenue is central to safeguarding Ghana’s future. A zero-tolerance approach to corruption is essential if every cedi collected is to work for the benefit of the nation,” Mr. Ampem concluded.
The International Customs Day celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of Customs administrations globally, particularly in balancing trade facilitation with enforcement, revenue protection and national security in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
