Ghana Ports Pushing Into The Future

GHANA SEEKS TO CATCH UP WITH INTERNATIONAL MARITIME STANDARDS BY AUTOMATING ALL STEPS.

THE PRIMARY PARTIES INVOLVED IN FREIGHT FORWARDING ARE CARRIERS, THE CONSIGNEE AND THE NOTIFY PARTY:

• Carriers are the shipping line.
• Consignee refers to the receiver or party on the receiving end.
• The notify party is the one who should be prompted In an event consignee can’t be reached.

With the current business world not being static but rather dynamic, there is the need to constantly be abreast with contemporary trends in each industry. The maritime economy of Ghana is no different from this, as it is always on the lookout for modern trends which when integrated will improve efficiency in its operations. The Maritime hub of Ghana regulated by the Ghana ports and harbor authority (GPHA) adopted frantic efforts to automate all port procedures in a bid to minimize congestion and delay in cargo clearing activities. This procedure was introduced last year and its implementation has been cost-effective.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT NOT ALL ASPECTS WERE INTEGRATED INTO THE PAPERLESS SCHEME.
However, effective September 1st of 2017 the central oversight committee fully integrated I.C.T into port operations.

Before arrival of your goods you must complete the following:

(I)The registered trading firm within the jurisdiction of Ghana obtains a unique consignment reference(UCR) to uniquely identify each shipment aboard the ship, then fill and submit an IDF online
(II) THE Ministries and departments and agencies (MDA) PROCESS BEGINS where the pre-arrival goods are taken through a standard board to ascertain its quality. The essence of the procedure cannot be underestimated as this is where the pre-arrived goods are being taken through the criteria regulated by the(Government of Ghana(GoG) to know if it falls under the categories that require a special import permit.
(III)Trader/Agent applies for customs classification and valuation report(CCVR) online with electronic signature in order to ascertain the estimated value of the inbound goods to make necessary arrangements for payments electronically.

ARRIVAL OF CARGO:

(Iv)Upon Arrival, the Customs division of the Ghana revenue authority will release the goods online after satisfaction. Meaning if the said goods are not contrary to the laws of the Ghana.
(V)Importer/Agent, then supplies, electronically an original bill of laiden to shipping line, an invoice is generated by carrier, and paid by importer via mobile money, card online banking.
(VI) Shipping Line issues delivery order to container freight station Ghana ports and harbor authority or meridian port services( GPHA OR MPS).
(VIII)An invoice is generated by the respective terminal, sent to the agent via an e-mail which is being paid by the importer.
(X)The process is climaxed with the arrangement of Trucks to convey the goods out of the port.

The introduction of this system has fared considerably well so far as it has if not curb corruption, minimize it.Also, revenue has boomed since its implementation with a realization of an additional 100million cedis in the first week . voluminous paperwork at the port is being cleared to speed up cargo clearance at the port.