LONDON, United Kingdom — Flora Edem Ayanu, Operations Officer at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, will represent the agency at the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum. The three-day programme in London brings together senior policymakers and trade officials to address the evolving complexities of international market access and supply chain resilience.
The Ghana Revenue Authority, established in 2009 through the strategic merger of several revenue agencies, serves as the primary government body for tax and duty administration. Its Customs Division is responsible for monitoring cross-border goods movement, a task essential for both national security and trade facilitation. As an Operations Officer within the Customs Technical Bureau (CTB), Ms Ayanu plays a central role in the classification and valuation of goods, ensuring that the technical aspects of customs administration align with international standards and national fiscal requirements.
The attendance of the GRA at this forum comes at a period of significant growth and modernisation for the agency. In the 2023 fiscal year, the authority reported total tax revenue collection of approximately GHS 113.06 billion, surpassing its revised targets by more than GHS 3 billion. This fiscal success is underpinned by the implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), a digital clearing process designed to accelerate cargo movement at ports and land borders. The forum provides a platform to share the successes of this digital transition while exploring further technical improvements in customs compliance.
Operating within the public sector, the GRA manages gateways to one of West Africa’s most active economies. The organisation maintains a comprehensive footprint across Ghana, with personnel stationed at all major entry points including the ports of Tema and Takoradi, Kotoka International Airport, and regional administrative offices. Participation in global trade dialogues is a priority for the agency as it seeks to refine its technical rulings and dispute resolution processes, which are managed centrally through the Customs Technical Bureau.
During the forum, the focus will remain on the practical application of trade facilitation agreements and the role of customs in supporting global supply chain stability. As an active member of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the GRA adheres to rigorous standards for trade security. The three-day programme across various venues in London will allow the agency to engage with international trade and investment agencies, diplomatic missions, and industry associations to discuss market trends and the reduction of barriers to legitimate commerce.
The modernisation of customs procedures is a fundamental component of national economic resilience. By refining our technical rulings and classification processes through the Customs Technical Bureau, we ensure that trade flows remain predictable and secure for all stakeholders involved in the Ghanaian market. This forum provides a vital opportunity to discuss the practical application of international trade facilitation agreements with global counterparts.
Our priority remains the integrity of the Integrated Customs Management System and its ability to provide a transparent, efficient interface for international commerce. Aligning our operational strategies with global best practices is essential for maintaining the growth trajectory observed in our recent revenue performance and for securing the domestic economy against smuggling and illicit trade.
The GRA continues to expand its operational capabilities, employing a workforce of between 7,000 and 8,000 personnel to manage revenue collection and border protection. By participating in this high-level convocation, the Customs Division reaffirms its commitment to technical excellence and the promotion of transparent, ethical trade practices that benefit the wider West African region.
About GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY – CUSTOMS DIVISION
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is the statutory body responsible for the administration of taxes and duties in Ghana. Formed in 2009, its Customs Division is tasked with border protection, smuggling prevention, and the facilitation of international trade. The organisation manages the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) to digitise clearance processes and recently reported a 2023 revenue collection of GHS 113.06 billion, exceeding its revised fiscal targets.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The Global Convocation & Leadership Forum is a premier three-day event held in London that assembles senior business leaders, trade ministers, and policymakers. The programme is designed to foster collaboration on international trade growth, export strategies, and supply chain resilience. It is convened by the International Trade Council and the International Centre for Trade Transparency & Monitoring.
About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council is a peak-body chamber of commerce that has supported international commerce and foreign direct investment since its foundation in 1956. As an independent and non-lobbying entity, it maintains a global network of over 28,000 members across more than 179 countries. Its membership includes government ministries, industry associations, and private businesses. The Council is dedicated to reducing trade barriers, encouraging sustainable economic growth, and providing professional education through the ITC Academy.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring
The International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM) is a UK-registered commercial spin-off of the International Trade Council, founded in November 2022. The organisation focuses on increasing global trade transparency through its proprietary AI platform, ADAMftd. This system processes billions of data points, including customs records, shipping information, and compliance screenings, to help organisations model supply chains, assess risks, and forecast market trends. ICTTM maintains operational offices in both the United Kingdom and the Philippines.