The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced an electronic payment system at some major ports as part of the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) Project in a bid to push for paperless transactions.

This was made known by the Head of Information Technology at the Customs Division of the GRA, Albert Akurugu, when a delegation from Nigeria paid a courtesy call the GRA’s Technical Support Bureau.

“The creation of the E-Zone at the ports is to serve as a one-stop shop for all exporters. This forms part of measures under the GNSW project to synchronise operations at the port,” Mr Akurugu said. “Today it is easier to export and import from Europe, USA than to do same from neighbouring countries. A harmonised single window project on the continent would transform who we do business among ourselves.”

The push for the paperless transaction will also include the implementation of a single and fully integrated risk management system that will result in a significant reduction in the number of consignments inspected by Customs.

At the launch of a strategic action plan for the implementation of the single window project in Accra recently, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr George Blankson said his outfit will “simplify, and eliminate cumbersome procedures in a number of areas and we intend to collaborate with our sister agencies to significantly reduce the intrusive inspections and interventions along the trade process in Ghana.”

The GNSW is being implemented West Blue Ghana Limited and GCNet Services as well as other scanning companies to ensure an efficient and user-friendly e-clearance regime.