The University of Cape Coast School of Business in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched a Masters programme in Customs Administration at a ceremony in Accra.
The tailor-made programme, which begins from January 2025, seeks to equip customs officers and stakeholders in Ghana and the West African sub-region with the requisite tools to enhance customs administration.
Launching the programme, the Commissioner of Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, noted that the programme was designed with inputs from stakeholders specifically to provide in-depth understanding of customs laws, policies and procedures, while addressing the unique challenges within the region.
Brigadier General Ayorrogo addressing the launch
"This programme is tailored to equip participants with the expertise required to effectively navigate and manage customs-related issues within the context of our modern and interconnected global trade environment," he explained.
Brigadier General Ayorrogo indicated that the Custom Division had undergone extensive transformations, adapting to meet the ever-evolving demands of international trade and customs administration.
He also mentioned that global trends, technological advances, and updated customs regulations had made it essential for custom officers, stakeholders, and partners to remain up to date with the latest customs procedures, laws and policies.
"With this in mind, we recognised the need for specialised education to foster excellence and professionalism in our customs operations," he added.
The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, said the partnership with the GRA would create opportunities for staff of the Customs Division of GRA and stakeholders to enhance revenue collection and promote efficient trade practices in Ghana and within the sub-region.
Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng
Prof. Kwarteng noted that UCC had carved a niche as a reputable institution in Ghana and beyond, adding that “UCC’s status as the highest ranked university in Ghana. We will ensure that students who enroll on the programme are well trained to contribute meaningfully to the development of custom services in Ghana and beyond.
He indicated that with UCC’s strong academic reputation and GRA’s regulatory expertise, both institutions were confident that the programme would elevate standards in customs administration and enhance Ghana’s standing in global trade.
The Dean of the School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, said the new programme was developed with extensive relevant stakeholder consultations to be fit for purpose.
Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi
“The programme went through a series of quality assurances for fine-tuning and was later sent to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission for final approval from the board,” he said.
Prof. Gatsi said the programme would be delivered through transactional and transformational modules to meet 21st century learning skills.
In a speech read on behalf of Ms. Julie Essiam, the Commissioner General, GRA, underscored the importance of continuous learning, saying “a learning organisation is an advancing organisation.”
She said the Authority was committed to creating opportunities for staff to grow and prosper, urging the staff to take advantage of the programme to upgrade their knowledge.
Source: Documentation and Information Section