An awards ceremony for 190 retired workers of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been held, with a call on those in active service to be more committed to their duties and help contribute to growth of the economy.

Speaking at a send-off gathering and congratulations ceremony in Accra for the 2018 retirees, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Nti said: “To those of us still in active service, I urge you to resolve to be more committed in your duties; give of your very best so that on retirement you can be proud of your output and be in a position to boldly declare that while working you gave your best and deserve the accolades on the citations awarded to you”.

The retirees, who were made up of 48 management and 61 senior and 81 junior staff, had served the organisation in different capacities for between two and 44 years. Each of them received a plaque and flat-screen television set.

Mr. Nti, presenting the awards, congratulated the retirees for their immeasurable contributions to the Authority and country over the years, to ensure development and economic growth.

He said the revenue they had helped to mobilise had kept government’s programmes and activities running to improve the people’s lives.

“Many of you have spent your entire youthful and working years serving in different capacities raising revenue for the development of our country,” he said.

He urged them to put their expertise and knowledge to the benefit of society, and adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.

“I wish to advise that you continue to pursue an active lifestyle, so that certain diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles can be avoided. Now that you have enough time to spare, I urge you to spend quality time with your families and loved ones and enjoy your retirement,” he said.

Mr. Harry Owusu, the Board Chairman of GRA, lauded the retired staff’s performance over the years and said their hard work and unflinching loyalty had contributed greatly to building their reputation and enhancing the GRA brand.

“It is now the turn of the serving officers to take up the mantle. I know you will work harder to ensure we meet our targets in 2019 and the years ahead,” he said.