The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has organized a proficiency training for Customs House Agents who are engaged in the business of clearing goods on behalf of importers and exporters within the port community.

The exercise was to get the clearing agents abreast with the ongoing Customs modernisation and trade facilitation initiatives and formed part of a proficiency programme for customs brokers in the industry.

Customs’ Deputy Commissioner, Post Clearance Audit, Isaac Crentsil, indicated that the training would go to enhance the professional standards of the participants in their various dealings in the industry.

He said: “This training is expected to play a significant role in enhancing professional standards of customs brokers with the relevant knowledge and skills on new initiatives such as the electronic submission of trade documents.

“We believe that this training programme affirms the commitment of the Customs administration to remain transparent in their dealings with clients as well as build on expectations and to ensure compliance in the industry.”

According to Mr. Crentsil, the two-phased programme which runs till July 29, will be necessary in enhancing the quality of data submitted to Customs for effective and efficient risk analysis.

The Sector Commander for Tema Customs, Confidence Nyadzi, advised the participating customs brokers to adhere strictly to regulations to avoid the harsh punitive measures that have been put in place to check non-complaint practices in the industry.