One week into paperless port operations in Ghana

It is one week since the introduction of paperless operations at the Ghana's ports.

The new system is designed to result in the clearing of goods at the ports within four hours. But that has not been the case.

Thursday, some freight forwarders stormed the Tema Port to register their displeasure over delays in clearing their consignments.

In an interview earlier today, Deputy Finance Minister, Kwaku Kwarteng, said the web-based platform being used to undertake the paperless clearing system has been re-programmed. He said the concerns and fears expressed by the freight forwarders are understood and things will begin to fall in place from Friday.

Meanwhile, some freight forwarders in Tema are calling on the government to dialogue with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, GPHA, and the Shipping Lines to suspend charging rent and demurrage considering the teething problems associated with the implementation of the paperless system at the Port.

Speaking with GBC’s Obonu News in Tema, the agents disclosed that there are still delays with the processing of the Customs Classification and Valuation Report, CCVR, which remains the basis for the clearing process.

They maintained that as much as they support the new regime, it is not entirely new in the clearing process, however the information provided them and the importers is not what pertains on the ground.

He explained that due to miscommunication, importers are now mounting pressure on them for late clearing of their cargo.

More than five hundred freight forwarders besieged the Long room of the Customs Division of the GRA, to express their displeasure when the Deputy Minister of Finance, Kwaku Kwarteng visited the facility to see at first hand progress of the new Port Process.

They did not give the minister the audience to address them.

The angry freight forwarders say they are disappointed in the NPP government since they have not listened to their plea before and after the implementation of the Paperless Port policy.

Responding to the aggrieved freight forwarders, Mr. Kwarteng said government has taken notice of the concerns raised and will ensure that they are rectified.