The World Customs Organisation (WCO) is dedicating 2018 to the security of the business environment, with the slogan “A secure business environment for economic development.” WCO represents 182 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade.
Deputy Finance Minister, Kwaku Kwarteng, speaking at the commemoration of World Custom Day in Accra urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that in line with the 2018 theme for the occasion, the GRA must ensure the processes and procedures for importation, exportation and clearance of goods must be convenient, timely and certain.
The Paper believes the Deputy Minister couldn’t have hit the nail on its head better by emphasizing the importance of the ease with which business is conducted, particularly at the country’s ports. Investors and business people alike believe the undue bureaucracy at the ports increases the cost of doing business, and makes the Ghanaian destination unattractive, especially when the country is aiming to be the investment hub in West Africa.
The Deputy Minister’s concern was amply stated when he said : “The Custom Division must work toward enhancing successful movement of goods and services at the ports to help increase in the volume of international trade, which will help boost international investments and standards.”
Without a doubt, this year’s theme focuses on trade facilitation and it is important for the Customs Division of the GRA to provide a secure environment for businesses to fully participate in international trade since it enhances the wealth of nations.
Since the ports in the country constitute around 60 percent of the total revenue generated, it is important for the Customs Division to improve efficiency in the clearance of goods and this will enhance international trade and promote prosperity.
Government is doing its bit to improve clearance at the ports by digitizing the processes and reducing the duplication of same. Thus, Ghana is playing its part in promoting international trade and commerce. It also reduces the time and cost of doing business at the ports and makes the country more investor/business friendly and the Customs division have a huge role to play in this endeavor.
