Importers in Ghana can now pay their duties online weeks before their goods arrive at the port, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has disclosed.
He explained that the system allows importers to estimate the value of their duties two weeks in advance and make payments from their offices or homes without visiting the port.
“Today, you can estimate the value of your duties two weeks before your goods arrive. And you can pay online, so you don’t need to walk to the port. You can pay from your desk, from the comfort of your room. The only step remaining is physical clearance, which is now fully operational at the port,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong noted that this reform is part of the broader 24-hour economy policy being implemented at the ports to enhance trade and support industrialization.
“The 24h+ is one of the key flagship programs launched by President John Mahama, targeting industrialization, job creation, wealth creation, and domestic tax revenue. GRA is a key partner in ensuring the success of this program,” he added.
He revealed that Tema Port is already running full 24-hour operations in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and other state agencies. While Customs had previously operated around the clock, other agencies were not ready.
“Not all these institutions were 24-hour ready, but we’ve worked with them and integrated them into our Customs ICON platform, allowing all government agencies to access port operations 24 hours a day,” Mr. Sarpong said.
He stressed that the goal has always been to achieve a single-window system where every agency operates on one platform simultaneously.
“So within the President’s vision, we’ve brought all agencies on board to fully implement 24-hour operations at Tema Port. As we speak, the program is fully operational,” he added.
When asked if goods arriving at 2 a.m. could be cleared, he confirmed it was possible.
“Yes, before the launch, Customs and GPHA were trained for readiness. All other agencies have been integrated, making Tema Port fully operational 24 hours for clearance,” he said.
He further disclosed that GRA has engaged shipping lines and banks to ensure smooth implementation, noting that filing and paying taxes is now entirely online.
Acknowledging potential initial challenges, he insisted that the policy is being successfully implemented.
“GRA is a key component of the 24-hour economy, facilitating trade and business activities. While there may be challenges with any new initiative, we are successfully implementing the President’s vision of 24-hour operations at the port,” he concluded.
Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
