Importers in Ghana no longer need to queue at the port to settle duty charges, as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rolled out an online payment system that allows duties to be paid weeks in advance.
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, explained that importers can now estimate and pay their duties up to two weeks before their shipments arrive.
“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 to pay. You can pay from your desk, even from the comfort of your room. What you then need is the physical clearance, and that’s why we added that component at the port to make sure that it drives that operation,” he said.
The initiative forms part of the government’s 24h+ economy agenda launched by President John Mahama, which aims to modernise trade, create jobs, and boost domestic revenue.
“The 24h+ is one of the key flagship programs that President John Mahama has launched, and it’s targeted at industrialisation, job creation, world creation, and ultimately domestic tax revenue. GRA sees itself as a key partner in the success of this program,” Mr. Sarpong noted.
Tema Port has now transitioned to full 24-hour operations in partnership with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other state agencies. Mr. Sarpong said while Customs already operated round-the-clock, other institutions were not initially ready.
“Not all these institutions were 24-hour ready, but we’ve worked with them and positioned them such that all of these institutions are being hooked and automated into our customs icon platform. This way, all government institutions have access to port operations under a 24-hour system,” he explained.
He emphasised that the ultimate goal is to achieve a single-window clearance system, ensuring every agency works seamlessly on one platform. According to him, this vision has now been realised. “So as we speak today, the 24-hour program is in earnest, working at Tema Port,” he confirmed.
Answering questions on whether cargo can be cleared at odd hours, he assured that clearance at 2 a.m. is now possible. “Yes, as I told you before the launch, customs and GPHA were trained for our readiness. We also brought in all the other agencies. That’s why we did Tema Port as phase one to reinforce our men on the ground for the 24-hour project. Today, Tema Port is operating 24 hours in terms of clearing of goods,” Mr. Sarpong said.
The GRA has also engaged shipping lines and banks to ensure smooth implementation. “We have had engagement with shipping lines and banks that collect the revenue. And you know, today, GRA is already trained for online filing and tax payment. Obviously, for any new initiative, sometimes there could be challenges. But as we speak today, we are implementing the President’s vision of 24 hours at the port,” he concluded.
