Tema Customs Preventive Unit Showcases Enforcement Strength, Honours Officers Across All Ranks

By Samuel Asamoah

The Preventive Unit of the Tema Customs Sector Command has recorded major gains in revenue protection, intelligence-led enforcement, and operational efficiency over the past year, as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) intensified efforts to strengthen border security at the country’s busiest port.
The achievements were highlighted at the second edition of the Tema Collection Preventive Unit Parade and Award Ceremony, an event that combined operational display, officer recognition, and policy direction on customs enforcement and national security.

Speaking at the ceremony, CRO Frederick Lartey Otu, Head of Preventive for the Tema Collection, said sustained preventive operations have resulted in successful interceptions of illicit goods and significant revenue recoveries for the state, underscoring the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement in safeguarding Ghana’s economy.

He attributed the improved performance to deliberate interventions, including structured training programmes that have enhanced officers’ operational readiness, strengthened intelligence gathering, and deepened understanding of customs laws, procedures, and ethical standards.
CRO Otu noted that the introduction of a dedicated Preventive Muster Parade has improved discipline, coordination, esprit de corps, and command-and-control within the unit. He said the initiative has also created a platform for operational briefings, performance monitoring, and direct engagement between officers and management.
Operational efficiency, he added, has further been enhanced through upgrades in communication infrastructure, particularly for boarding operations. These included the provision of three GOTA phones and fibre-optic internet connectivity to replace an existing router system, ensuring faster and more reliable communication during enforcement activities.

In addition, the Preventive Unit received key logistics to enhance officer safety and detection capability, including 19 Garrett body scanners, nine under-vehicle inspection mirrors, and 50 bullet-proof vests. According to CRO Otu, the equipment has strengthened interception capacity, reduced operational risks, and improved accountability across preventive operations.
Adding his voice, CRO Philip P. Timbilla, Second-in-Command of the Tema Collection, commended the Head of Preventive and his management team for introducing the parade, describing it as a strategic innovation aimed at sustaining enforcement excellence.
“This initiative is designed to maintain a Preventive Unit with officers who are mentally, physically, and psychologically fit, disciplined, united by strong team spirit, and determined to collect, account for, and protect national revenue while enforcing public health, safety, and security,” CRO Timbilla said.
He stressed that the Preventive Unit remains a key pillar of Ghana’s national security architecture, securing the country’s seaports, airports, and land borders.
“They keep the gates of our seaports, airports, and land borders safe, often when the rest of us are asleep after a hard day’s work,” he stated.
However, CRO Timbilla raised concerns about dwindling staff strength within the unit, noting that reduced numbers are making it increasingly difficult to fully man all entry and exit points, particularly at the Tema Port. He disclosed that the Commissioner-General and top management of the GRA have assured management that recruitment will be undertaken to reduce the staff deficit to the nearest minimum.
As part of the ceremony, awards were presented across all ranks, including management, operational, and contract staff, in recognition of outstanding performance and commitment to duty.

Several officers were honoured for excellence in specific operational areas such as Engagement and Escort Operations, among other categories.

Notably, Preventive Second-in-Command CRO Rudolf Akumatey and Assistant Revenue Officer Kingsley Adu Sefa each received two awards, highlighting their exceptional contributions to preventive enforcement and operational leadership within the unit.

The parade also featured highly coordinated drills by Preventive officers, demonstrating operational readiness and reinforcing the unit’s commitment to delivering on its mandate without fear or favour. The drills served as a practical display of discipline, teamwork, and preparedness to respond to emerging enforcement and security challenges.

Customs management reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations, continuous capacity building, discipline, accountability, and officer welfare, with the goal of building a highly professional and reputable Preventive Unit capable of delivering results while upholding the core values of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Customs Division.