The Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Emmanuel Ohene, has called on members of the Customs Brokers Association Ghana (CUBAG) and other key industry players to prioritise integrity and ethical conduct in their day–to–day activities.
According to him, there is a need for members of CUBAG and others to work together to eliminate unethical practices and ensure that all stakeholders adhere to the highest standards of integrity.
“We must remain adaptable and resilient. The industry landscape is constantly changing and we must be prepared to adjust our strategies and approaches accordingly. We need to be open to new ideas, embrace innovation and be willing to learn from our mistakes,’’ said Mr Ohene.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority said this in a speech read on his behalf at the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CUBAG, held in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.
This year’s AGM was on the theme: “Consolidating the Gains of the Transition for Success in an Ever-Changing Industry.”
Mr. Ohene was of the view that CUBAG, as a vital partner in the customs ecosystem has played a crucial role in facilitating trade and contributing to the economic development of our nation through commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and continuous improvement.
He indicated that working together as a team can consolidate the gains of the transition, navigate the challenges of a changing industry and ensure long-term success for both the Customs Division of GRA and for all stakeholders in the Ghanaian trade community.
The GRA boss continued that the transition of the Customs Management System to the Ghana Integrated Customs Management System (GICMS) has modernised customs operations, increased revenue collection, facilitated trade flows and enhanced transparency and efficiency.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) continued that consolidating the gains of the transition is not just a choice, but a necessity for sustained success.
“Let us reflect on what has brought us to this point: commitment to excellence, a willingness to challenge the status quo and a deep understanding that success in our industry is contingent upon our ability to evolve,” he said.
Mr. Ohene stated that there was the need to focus by embracing continuous learning and development as the industry is evolving rapidly and new technologies and regulations are emerging constantly.
“We must invest in training programs and resources to ensure that our workforce remains equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge,” he proposed.
To him, the Customs Division of GRA cannot achieve success on its own, but rather foster collaboration and partnership with other industry players hence dedication, collaboration, and innovation, will help build a more efficient, transparent and prosperous trading environment for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
He called on stakeholders such as CUBAG, freight forwarders, shipping lines and other industry players to streamline processes, address challenges and identify opportunities for mutual benefit.
On his part, the Acting President of the Association, Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta, was elated over the members’ participation at the AGM, which deliberated on issues and how to improve its service delivery to spark progress in the coming years.
He stressed that CUBAG was a non-governmental organisation of corporate bodies that could boast of the highest standard of efficiency, quality service delivery, and observance of regulatory measures by its members to enhance the administration of indirect taxation.
Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta explained that CUBAG has obtained a strong track record in handling various types of shipments and navigating complex logistics challenges by working effectively to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure their protection.
Mr. Ofori-Atta stated the association regulates and controls the operations of the Custom House Agent (Clearing Agent) and offers comprehensive and reliable freight forwarding services in the country.
He disclosed that CUBAG is in a transition and several important changes are taking place concurrently to help bring it up to speed.
The CUBAG Acting President added that ‘‘INEC since its inception in 2021 has continued on its transformation agenda to reshape the very fabric of our dear association CUBAG. I am happy to report that the change has been phased and incremental.’’
Mr. Ofori-Atta affirmed that CUBAG, under the guidance of its dedicated leadership, was poised not only to meet the current challenges, but to forge ahead as thought leaders and doers in shaping the future of freight forwarding in Ghana. He urged clients to keep their clearing documents safely after goods have been cleared from the port.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Council, Mr. Kwasi Baffour Sarpong, praised the leadership of CUBAG for their immense contributions in facilitating the clearance of imported and exported goods through customs, arranging transport.
He explained that the theme for this year’s AGM was intriguing and could not be more apt considering the contributions of last year’s event, which to a large extent, had shaped and redefined the boundaries of the industry and practices of the trade.
He hinted that the call for consolidation of the gains made so far was not only relevant for the survival of the industry, but also had the potential to enhance the capacity of the industry to withstand uncertain occurrences.
According to him, in the dynamic landscape of the freight and logistical industry, where change is the only constant, industry players need to regularly adapt to these changes to survive.
Recounting the effect of the covid-19, the CEO of Ghana Shipper’s Council continued that, the Covid-19 pandemic through a terrible situation launched the entire world into finding smarter, more agile, and more efficient ways of doing what we have been doing for ages.
He mentioned that, in the face of evolving trade patterns, regulatory shifts, and technology advancements, the collective goal to remain resilient will determine the path forward.
“We have adopted and embraced the new approach to work to the adoption of digital technology for remote operations, online transactions, and payment systems with the associated benefits of increased efficiency among others”, he said.
