The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in partnership with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has launched two specialised academic programs aimed at raising the educational standards in customs administration: the Master of Legal Studies in Customs Administration (MLSA) and the Master of Customs Operations (MCO).
The programs are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of customs officers and related professionals both in Ghana and globally.
Professor John Gartchie Gatse, Dean of the School of Business at UCC, emphasised the initiative’s goal to contribute to Ghana’s human development and economic progress by equipping customs officials with the expertise needed to improve revenue mobilization. “As a university and a business school, our aim is to impact the economy and human development in the country.
To achieve this, we are sharpening the skills of the nation’s revenue mobilisers to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively,” he stated.
The newly introduced MLSA and MCO programs are open to customs officers worldwide, as well as professionals from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade, and various NGOs. This international approach aims to broaden the scope of the program, positioning Ghana as a leader in customs education.
“We have collaborated with industry and government institutions, especially critical revenue institutions, to ensure the program’s objectives are aligned with the nation’s revenue goals,” Professor Gatse added.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the program will attract significant interest and participation, benefiting both the Ghana Revenue Authority and UCC. This partnership, he believes, will strengthen Ghana’s position in the customs and revenue sector through a well-educated workforce.