Ghana: Freight Forwarders want one-stop-shop-to clear goods

Freight forwarders have made a strong appeal to the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to resume its core functions of the classification and valuation of goods without delay, to bring the much-awaited relief to importers and other operators in the maritime industry. In a statement, a member of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, said “importers and clearing agents are suffering from delays and frustrations in clearing goods at the ports.”
He added that perpetuating the present cumbersome system of clearing goods would be the “worst thing” that could happen to importers and clearing agents.
“We want CEPS to resume its core functions now. We beg anyone who is responsible for giving the green light to CEPS, to hurry up,” Mr. Ahenkorah pleaded.
Mr. Ahenkorah was optimistic that the situation which compelled importers and freight forwarders to deal with the Ministries of Trade and Finance, before clearing their goods, even with no guarantee of success, could all be eliminated by the proposed one-stop-shop facility by CEPS.