National Single Window gets action plan

Promoters of the National Single Window (NSW)—the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and West Blue Consulting, the service provider—have launched a strategic action plan that will guide the implementation of various processes aimed at enhancing trade facilitation in the country’s ports.

The action plan focuses strongly on implementing a single and fully integrated risk management system that will significantly reduce intrusive inspections, as well as simplify the current cumbersome business procedures through enhanced automation and paperless systems of trade.

Commissioner-General of the GRA George Blankson said at a media briefing in Accra the strategic plan is a long-term programme that will strengthen the effectiveness of regulatory responsibilities and disincentivise delinquent traders while “rolling out the red carpet” for the compliant ones.

He said: “The launch of this roadmap is a step in the right direction because a well-designed National Single Window is an effective tool for significant enhancement of revenue and trade facilitation.

“This clear strategy is a fundamental principle of trade; a proven approach that will strengthen the economy through increased revenue mobilisation and protect society from consuming harmful goods.”

Mr. Blankson said implementation of the NSW has been a learning curve, considering the significant progress of a programme in its second phase -- and the introduction of a long-term strategic plan will push for enhancements that will empower the Customs business for shared prosperity and growth.

He said the next phase of the NSW will see deeper engagement between the programme implementers, related government agencies and the shipping community in the interest of enhanced competitiveness and growth of the economy.

He added: “The GRA is committed to staying the course of this programme; we will support the officers and end-users in the process through a strong change management programme and capacity building.

“I encourage all the stakeholders to fully embrace the changes set out in this strategy to position the country as a leading economy in Africa.”

The National Single Window programme replaced the erstwhile Destination Inspections regime in September 2015, when the Customs Division of the GRA decided to streamline its operations through the extensive IT-based processes.

This was to solely increase the gains of government from the economy’s dominant sectors in terms of revenue, while improving the ease of doing business at the country’s port through enhanced trade facilitation.

Chief Executive Officer of West Blue Consulting, Valentina Mintah, said trade facilitation prior to introduction of the NSW was complex and costly due to disparate business processes and systems.

According to her, implementing the NSW has created an integrated workspace of data and business processes by relevant industry stakeholders for traders who are at the core of trade activities in the port community.

She said: “The National Single Window is about the integration of business-related processes, governance, ICT and organisation that will lead to data harmonisation, as well as coordination and legislation, as a way of improving trade competitiveness and procedures.

“The system seeks to streamline all the technology needed to support efficient trade activities in a modular form that promotes service prioritisation. Currently, we are integrating existing systems to fill gaps in the trade process and provide a one-stop-shop for trade facilitation.”

According to Ms. Mintah, the ultimate result of the ongoing reforms will help government to mobilise the much-needed revenue to cushion national socio-economic development.

She indicated: “The system is to ensure a win-win situation for all; improved imports will lead to timely and affordable goods on the market, and improved exports will help to create entrepreneurs in the export trade business.