The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Julie Essiam has entreated personnel of the Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to rally behind the new commissioner of customs, Zeblim Ayorrogo to rake in the needed revenue for the state.

Julie Essiam made this call when she led some senior officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the customs division to introduce the new commissioner of customs to personnel at the Tema Collection.

She entreated the officials to accord the new commissioner all the support he needs so as to collect the required revenue from the state.

“I have the pleasure of introducing to our family, Provost, Marshall, now Customs Commissioner, Zeblim Ayorrogo. This is the new family you have come to meet, we are one family at GRA. These men and women will always be behind you and this is GRA,” she said.

Zeblim Ayorrogo advised personnel to be professional in the discharge of their duties and eschew practices that will not augur well for the division. He, however, promised to have their welfare at heart.

“Please work hard, do not be intimidated, be professional, and together, the day I will be leaving, a story will be told,” he stated.

The Commissioner-General of GRA and her team paid a working visit to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority where they were received by the Director-General of GPHA, Michael Luguje. The visit was to introduce the new Commissioner to the Port Authority and solicit their support for the new Customs boss.

“I am confident from the weeks that I have collaborated with him and the conversations we have had, that you are a very reliable partner to collaborate with,” she told the Director-General of GPHA.

The General Manager for Marketing and Corporate Affairs of GPHA, Esther Gyebi-Donkor congratulated Julie Essiam for her appointment as Commissioner General of GRA and entreated her to address the long-standing issue of VAT on transit.

“We are so proud of you and we wish you the very best. I will just use the opportunity to remind the Commissioner-General that we are hoping that during her tenure, the VAT on transit issue will be totally dealt with,” she appealed.

The Director-General of GPHA, Michael Luguje said his outfit will work to strengthen the collaboration and partnership between GPHA and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

“We have a joint responsibility to ensure that whatever leakages or opportunities that we are aware of, we make an effort to prevent them, so good luck and you are always welcome. If there are any questions you want clarifications on, we are ready to help you understand,” he said.

The new Commissioner was optimistic that with the support of the management of GPHA, the revenue due to the state would be collected at the ports.

“I know that I am going to have your support as I have the support of my Commissioner-General, I spoke to the committee members and I know I have their support, and once that is in place, the rest will be history, so I am happy to be here,” he said.

The GRA delegation also visited Meridian Port Services where they engaged management to introduce the new Commissioner of customs and also solicit their support in the discharge of his duties.

The Chief Operations Officer of Meridian Port Services (MPS), Curtiz Dakpogan assured the GRA of their immense support to the new Commissioner of Customs and the country as a whole.

“We hope to ensure that this facility (Terminal 3) which is indeed the heartbeat of Ghana, continues thriving right. We are rest assured we will collaborate 100% with the new Commissioner to ensure trade facilitation, efficiency, secure revenue, and the borders,” he said.