New IT systems will only be as good as the people who implement them - Veep Dr. Bawumia 

Vice President Bawumia warned operators at the ports to eschew corruption and work hand in hand with the authorities to ensure the success of the paperless port system. 

“It is clear that notwithstanding the new systems that have been implemented there are concerted efforts to circumvent the paperless system both by customs officials and other government officials."
 
“I understand that some officials at the port are demanding documents from importers for stamping. This is ridiculous and should not happen under the new paperless regime. No official should demand from any importer documents (except the Way Bill and Bill of Lading) for stamping or any other purpose during the clearance process. All the relevant documents are online. It is only a ruse for corruption.”

In a related development, new measures designed to further streamline operations at the ports will take effect next month, following a review of the paperless system, Vice President Bawumia has announced.

“Effective 1st July, 2018 the number of agencies undertaking joint inspections at the port has been reduced from 16 to 3 (Ghana Standards Authority, Food and Drugs Authority and Customs). National Security or NACOB will join based on intelligence.”

He continued, “The Compliance stage of the clearance process has been abolished since it has become redundant under the new system. This function will be undertaken by the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB). 

“We have established a Task Force to monitor the implementation of the paperless system at the ports on a daily basis and provide reports for action where bottlenecks arise.”


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