President Mahama appoints Aaron Kanor as Acting Commissioner of Customs Division

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Mr Aaron Kanor as Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with immediate effect, the Authority announced on Monday.

The appointment, detailed in a press release issued by the GRA on February 23, 2026, ushers in a new leadership era for the Customs Division, which serves as a critical pillar in Ghana’s revenue mobilisation efforts, border security architecture, and trade facilitation framework.

Three Decades of Distinguished Service

Describing the new Acting Commissioner as a seasoned professional, the statement highlighted Mr Kanor’s extensive background in customs administration.

“Mr Aaron Kanor is an accomplished Customs professional with over three decades of distinguished service in revenue mobilisation, border security, and trade facilitation at GRA,” the release stated. It added that he brings “a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and dedication to Public Service” to his new role.

According to the Authority, “His appointment as Ag. Commissioner of the Customs Division reflects a career defined by integrity, operational excellence, and strategic leadership.”

Proven Track Record in Operations

Prior to his elevation, Mr Kanor served as Officer in Charge of Port Operations, where he supervised key Customs functions including enforcement of customs laws, revenue collection, and trade facilitation. The Authority noted that his leadership in that capacity strengthened border security systems and enhanced compliance within Ghana’s international trade environment.

Throughout his career, Mr Kanor has held numerous strategic positions across the country, including Sector Commander at Kotoka International Airport and Wa Collections, as well as Chief Revenue Officer in multiple operational areas.

In these roles, he led intelligence-driven operations that successfully curtailed smuggling activities, exposed invoice falsification schemes, and disrupted criminal networks engaged in vehicle identification manipulation. These interventions, the statement indicated, resulted in improved revenue performance and bolstered national security.

Champion of Modernisation Efforts

The Authority further disclosed that Mr Kanor has been instrumental in advancing modernisation initiatives within the Customs Division. His involvement in implementing electronic valuation systems and other strategic projects contributed to improved operational efficiency and reduced cargo clearance turnaround times.

These measures also helped align Ghana’s customs administration with international best practices while facilitating legitimate trade—a delicate balance that customs authorities worldwide strive to achieve.

Vision for the Future

The press release framed the appointment as strategically significant for the nation’s economic aspirations.

The appointment represents “a significant step in strengthening Customs administration, improving compliance, and supporting Ghana’s economic growth through efficient and secure trade systems, bringing renewed spirit and direction to the Customs Division,” the statement read.

Transition and Gratitude

The Board, Management, and staff of the Authority congratulated Mr Kanor on his appointment and expressed appreciation to the outgoing Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, for his leadership of the Division.

The Customs Division plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, serving as the primary gatekeeper for cross-border trade and a major contributor to domestic revenue mobilisation. The Division’s effectiveness directly impacts the country’s ability to fund development initiatives and maintain economic stability.

Mr Kanor assumes leadership at a time when customs administrations across West Africa face evolving challenges, including trade facilitation demands, security threats, and the need for technological modernisation to keep pace with global trade dynamics.