As part of its strategy to support the capacity building initiatives of its key stakeholders, the Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet) has begun an exercise to replace all computers nationwide for the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

At the presentation ceremony at the Commissioner General’s office at the Ghana Revenue Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Darko, Deputy General Manager of GCNet, said that although the Ghana Revenue Authority is a shareholder of GCNet, the Customs Division and Domestic Tax Revenue Division have lately been very close stakeholders.

“We have shared aspirations and goals, and it is imperative that we come to show our commitment to the cause of the GRA in its quest to mobilise revenue for Government. It is in this vein that we present to you 600 computers,” he said.

The state-of-the-art hardware is intended to replace existing computers used by officers and also to address the need of new sites being brought onboard like the Weija DVLA, Customs’ new sites and some new units at warehousing operations that were not fully converged. It is expected that this hardware will adequately equip officers to effectively discharge their duties.

Execution of the deployment plan will be at carried out at various stations ranging from Tema to even the most outlandish station in the country. He noted that Tema, being the heartbeat of Customs operations, will get the largest number of computers.

Mr. George Blankson, Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, expressed his appreciation to GCNet for its kind gesture.

“Since then we have seen a great transformation that has resulted in revenue growing by leaps and bounds. This partnership is one that we cherish, one that we value because of the positive impact it has had on revenue over the years. The presentation of 600 computers will enable us first of all to renew, to modernise and be able to replace some of the old computers that have seen better days’ Computers that have passed their peak will be replaced and we will also to be able to roll out to new areas, some new sites, DVLA offices and so on; and the warehousing regime, which has been one that is known to have a considerable number of problems,” George Blankson said.

He also added that with every partnership of this kind there is always room for improvement, and urged GCNet to support GRA in other areas.

GCNet has over the years provided support in diverse ways: in the form of supporting training programmes, supporting organisation and participation in conferences and workshops, employee wellness, and the end of it all when send-offs are held for deserving officers who are leaving the service. Part of our support has been in the form of capacity building, including logistics.

In recent weeks, GCNet donated 35 laptops to the valuation Department of Customs to supports its training programme and to builds its capacity.