Advertisement

Government to strengthen Ministry of Trade's supervisory role

The government is introducing measures that will strengthen the management and supervisory role of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI).

The move is to ensure that destination inspection companies (DICs) perform to their maximum capacity.


Additionally, the government is plugging the loopholes at the country’s entry points to enhance revenue collection by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Assistant Commercial Officer at the MoTI, Mr Colecraft Jude Sam, made this known at the just-ended regional sensitisation forum organised by Gateway Services Limited (GSL) in Sunyani on Wednesday.

He told the Daily Graphic that the government was also initiating measures aimed at eliminating delays in the cargo clearance system.

The forum was on the theme: “Destination Inspection in Ghana, the Way Forward With Gateway Services Limited”.

Underscoring the importance of the DICs, Mr Sam said: “The introduction of the scheme has brought in its wake a reduction in clearance time, training and transfer of know-how to Customs, as well as modernisation of the clearance system through the introduction of modern technology and a reduction in the proliferation of fake and illicit drugs.

“The MoTI appreciates the efforts of the DICs in facilitating the smooth operations of the international trading system and hopes to continue to collaborate with them in all such endeavours.”

He commended the GSL for the various initiatives it had taken to promote destination inspection in Ghana, saying, “This year alone the GSL has organised three local training programmes for Customs, other stakeholders and the media in which the ministry has participated. This is commendable.”

The Brong Ahafo sector commander of the Customs Division, Alhaji Mohammed M. Nasurideen, who chaired the forum, underscored its relevance to Ghana’s tax regime and said “most of the time taxpayers complain about the cumbersome nature of tax payments whenever they find themselves in the net. There is, therefore, the need for taxpayers to understand the various processes before they come into contact with tax administrators”.

“I am happy to note that the GSL has over the years partnered the government and the GRA in revenue mobilisation. The company has also helped to simplify the clearance processes at the ports. Let us, therefore, take advantage of the opportunities that this forum offers us,” Alhaji Nasurideen said.

The Corporate Services Manager of the GSL, Mrs Amma Addo,  said the function was the third in a series of regional fora which the company had organised to sensitise and educate shippers, importers and agents on the activities of the DICs.

She also reiterated the GSL’s continued commitment to play a meaningful role in the import trade in Ghana.

By Della Russel Ocloo/Daily Graphic/Ghana

Writer’s email: [email protected]

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |