The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms. Julie Essiam, has officially resigned from her position, effective immediately leaving behind record-breaking achievements
Her resignation, dated January 20, 2025, was tendered through Finance Minister-designate Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and addressed to the President, with copies sent to key government officials.
Under her tenure, the GRA recorded historic successes, including exceeding tax revenue targets.
5.2% surplus in revenue
Total tax revenue collected during her leadership amounted to GH¢153,571.38 million, surpassing the budgeted GH¢145,998.47 million by GH¢7,572.91 million — a 5.2% surplus.
35.8% nominal growth
This performance represents a nominal growth rate of 35.8% compared to the same period in 2023.
31.6% nominal growth in domestic revenue
Domestic revenue experienced a 31.6% nominal growth.
47% growth in customs revenue
Customs revenue grew by an impressive 47%, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ms. Essiam’s strategic initiatives.
A legacy of transformation and growth
Appointed by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 24, 2024, Ms. Essiam brought transformative leadership to the GRA.
Before her appointment, she served as head of the Support Services Division, gaining insights that contributed to her exceptional leadership as Commissioner-General.
In her resignation letter, Ms. Essiam highlighted the collective efforts of GRA employees as instrumental to her success:
“Together, we have achieved remarkable successes, especially in revenue collection, consistently exceeding our monthly revenue targets. I am proud of what this team has accomplished for our dear nation.”
Focus on modernization and strategic goals
During her tenure, Ms. Essiam spearheaded key modernization projects such as the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) and the Taxpayer Data Cleansing initiative, aligned with IMF structural benchmarks.
She outlined these initiatives in her transition report to the Finance Minister-designate, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to transform GRA’s operating model for optimal revenue mobilization.
Gratitude for support and leadership opportunities
Ms. Essiam expressed profound gratitude to former President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Bawumia, and former Finance Minister Mohamed Amin Adam for their unwavering support and confidence in her abilities.
She credited her achievements to their trust and the collective efforts of GRA’s dedicated workforce.
GRA’s core mandate and structure
Established in 2009 under the Ghana Revenue Authority Act (Act 791), the GRA oversees tax compliance, trade facilitation, and border control.
The organization is structured into the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), Customs Division (CD), Support Services Division (SSD), and the Commissioner-General’s Secretariat.
Looking ahead
As Ms. Essiam steps down, her legacy of exceeding revenue targets and driving modernization efforts leaves an indelible mark on the GRA.
Stakeholders across the nation are optimistic about the future, building on the strong foundation she has laid.
