Let’s get this straight, for imports and exports the Ghana ports is one of the most expensive in the world. Kenya and Zimbabwe are far cheaper. In the later country which does not even have a port for being land-locked, it ... read full comment
Let’s get this straight, for imports and exports the Ghana ports is one of the most expensive in the world. Kenya and Zimbabwe are far cheaper. In the later country which does not even have a port for being land-locked, it is still cheaper to do duties in S. Africa and later transport inland.
This is a major killer of business and commerce in the country, leading to inflation and the rotten economy. For some reluctance, successive governments have all turned a blind eye to improve upon the system and especially provide measures to fight the corruption on both the part of the customs and agents. Few questions that puzzle me: Why do we need a clearing agent? Why are custom officers so hostile, like for customers to serve them and not the other way round? Why the lack of transparency? Why is the demurrage charges the highest in the world? For all the high charges, why the lack of improvement in services and the infrastructure? Why are the cost of 2nd hand cars (Ghana book values) so higher than the actual purchased price? Why is it that items are usually priced at a value which are impossible to get anywhere in the home country (especially 2nd hand cars)?
Can these reforms also address the hidden malpractices which may include the following: Over-estimation of tax rates and cost, which agents and custom officials later collect back by filling in an amendment form. The delaying tactics used to get goods into demurrage if they feel being questioned over their conduct, those custom gods.
Other amendments should include making the tax code book available and transparent for customers to check for themselves. Most of the payments made goes into individuals pocket and not that of the government, what’s going to be done about this?
Ivory Coast modern port does not still incur such exorbitant costs, so what are we doing wrong? The economy would continue to dwindle and inflation would persist to rise unless this awful port is sorted out.
mensah abrampa 10 years ago
Thanks for shooting straight. Our government does not understand the importance of competitive pricing and transparency. Everything is shrouded in secrecy .There's too much bureaucracy and too many bottlenecks. "Why do we nee ... read full comment
Thanks for shooting straight. Our government does not understand the importance of competitive pricing and transparency. Everything is shrouded in secrecy .There's too much bureaucracy and too many bottlenecks. "Why do we need clearing agents?" Your question keeps reverberating in my mind.It's a legitimate question and we should demand an answer from the cartoonists masquerading as ports officials.The GSA and other affiliated agencies should begin the process of demystifying their operations and simplifying business at the port. There are too many irregularities going on at the port but those in authority have deliberately turned blind eyes and clogged their ears. These men are self seekers who dont give a damn about their fellow men and think their customers owe them a debt of gratitude for their gross inefficiencies . Maybe it'd have to take a real peoples revolution this time to set things right at the ports.Thanks again Koj.
Kwadjo, London 10 years ago
You are making headline noise.You cannot do it you had been there before.
1.Why should all importers be made to use clearing agents to clear their goods?
2. When GPHA talks about tax clearance certificate what do they mean ... read full comment
You are making headline noise.You cannot do it you had been there before.
1.Why should all importers be made to use clearing agents to clear their goods?
2. When GPHA talks about tax clearance certificate what do they mean and from whom?
3. Who determines the value of a seconhand good?
4. Why does the govt seize goods at the port and sell it to civil servants?
mensah abrampa 10 years ago
Bro, there're are too many questions than the answers they're grudgingly providing us. The Tema Port has been turned into a Khmer Rouge killing field where importers and exporters are fleeced of their hard earned cash in exch ... read full comment
Bro, there're are too many questions than the answers they're grudgingly providing us. The Tema Port has been turned into a Khmer Rouge killing field where importers and exporters are fleeced of their hard earned cash in exchange for the poorest customer service on planet Earth. In many overseas countries customer service is excellent and the service charges are relatively low.Sometimes you wonder if you had strayed into hell when you're overwhelmed with frustrations and disappointments at the port but the familiar dark complexioned faces,accent and language and demeanor quickly remind you where you are. Shady business has been going on at the Tema Port forever and nothing seem to change. We no longer have to contend with PNDC Account #48 but in its place is a more callous chicanery system. Everybody is making a mint at the expense of returnees, exporters and importers but the uncaring government of Ghana appears to be in cahoots with the port mob. Someday soon the peoples power will overthrow the foolishness that's going on at the port.
DAN 10 years ago
a car 15-20 years old in usa is only worth $1000-$3000...Don't act like everything that you see is brands new when its not..Thats why accident cars are brought in to lower duties...
a car 15-20 years old in usa is only worth $1000-$3000...Don't act like everything that you see is brands new when its not..Thats why accident cars are brought in to lower duties...
SPECIAL AGENT 10 years ago
The duties are so high that some people using the back down to clear their goods and those who are ready to pay are being cheated day-in day-out.something like container fees,the consumers dont know the exactamount so they ar ... read full comment
The duties are so high that some people using the back down to clear their goods and those who are ready to pay are being cheated day-in day-out.something like container fees,the consumers dont know the exactamount so they are always being cheated.Ghana,we have a long long way to go.
OSBON 10 years ago
Nothing will stop the bribe takers. at this stage Ghana should be a place like Togo where you can clear your goods within two days.
Nothing will stop the bribe takers. at this stage Ghana should be a place like Togo where you can clear your goods within two days.
Let’s get this straight, for imports and exports the Ghana ports is one of the most expensive in the world. Kenya and Zimbabwe are far cheaper. In the later country which does not even have a port for being land-locked, it ...
read full comment
Thanks for shooting straight. Our government does not understand the importance of competitive pricing and transparency. Everything is shrouded in secrecy .There's too much bureaucracy and too many bottlenecks. "Why do we nee ...
read full comment
You are making headline noise.You cannot do it you had been there before.
1.Why should all importers be made to use clearing agents to clear their goods?
2. When GPHA talks about tax clearance certificate what do they mean ...
read full comment
Bro, there're are too many questions than the answers they're grudgingly providing us. The Tema Port has been turned into a Khmer Rouge killing field where importers and exporters are fleeced of their hard earned cash in exch ...
read full comment
a car 15-20 years old in usa is only worth $1000-$3000...Don't act like everything that you see is brands new when its not..Thats why accident cars are brought in to lower duties...
The duties are so high that some people using the back down to clear their goods and those who are ready to pay are being cheated day-in day-out.something like container fees,the consumers dont know the exactamount so they ar ...
read full comment
Nothing will stop the bribe takers. at this stage Ghana should be a place like Togo where you can clear your goods within two days.