President John Dramani Mahama has made a significant move by dismissing Brigadier General Ziblim Ayorrogo from his position as Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The decision, which was confirmed in a statement dated Sunday, 23 March, signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, comes as part of an ongoing reshuffle of security agency heads by the Mahama administration.
Brigadier General Ayorrogo was appointed to the role on 9 April 2024 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. However, he will now be succeeded by Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, who was recently appointed by President Mahama as the Acting Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces before being reassigned to this new role.
Brigadier General Annan comes with a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Presidential Security Coordinator. The statement announcing his appointment highlighted his reputation as a well-respected, dedicated, principled, and patriotic commissioned officer of the Ghana Army. He is expected to reform the Customs Division and support the Ghana Revenue Authority in achieving its targets as part of the government’s efforts to fix the economy.
The statement expressed gratitude to Brigadier General Ayorrogo for his service to the Customs Division and to Ghana. It emphasized President Mahama’s confidence in Brigadier General Annan’s ability to lead the division effectively and contribute to the country’s progress.
In addition to these changes, several other key appointments have been made in various security agencies. DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie has replaced Isaac Kofi Egyir as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, while DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong has taken over from Julius A. Kuunuor as the Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service. DCI Samuel Basentale has succeeded Kwame Asuah Takyi as the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Furthermore, Acting Service Chiefs have been appointed for the Ghana Armed Forces, pending consultation with the Council of State. These include Acting Chief of the Defence Staff Brigadier General William Agyapong, Acting Chief of Army Staff Brigadier General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Acting Chief of Naval Staff Commodore Godwin Livinus Bessing, and Acting Chief of Air Staff Air Commodore Eric Agyen-Frempong.
Overall, these changes reflect President Mahama’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Ghana’s security agencies as part of his administration’s efforts to drive progress and development in the country.