ACCRA: GCNET and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have participated in the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Information Technology (IT) Conference and Exhibition in Dakar.
Hosted by the Customs Administration of Senegal from June 1-3, 2016, the 2016 edition of the conference was on the theme: “Digital Customs, Accelerating Connectivity-Bridging the Divide.” It brought together on one platform other customs administrations all over the world including players in the shipping, supply chain and logistics industries and all other service providers in between, to share perspectives, identify opportunities and challenge current business models in today’s fast-changing world.
A release issued by GCNet said: “The platform offered opportunities for exchanging, sharing of information and experiences as well as showcasing customs digital solutions.”
“As the internationally recognised Single Window operator in Ghana, GCNet and Customs showcased the Ghana Single Window, Ghana’s only one-stop shop for all Trade Information exchange and clearance processes platform for Customs. Other solutions showcased included the e-Registrar and the e-Tax Solutions developed for the Registrar-General’s Department and the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority respectively, all of which showcased the principle of a single data lodgement for multiple transactions by various agencies,” it said.
These developments, the release said, were noted to have affirmed GCNet and Ghana Customs’ innovations in the provision of digital solutions for trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation in line with international standards.
It said other systems deployed by GCNet included the e-MDA Portal, which links up to 38 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) such as the Free Zones Board, the Ghana Standards Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, GIPC, Ministries of Trade and Finance among others to access the Ghana Single Window platform for various operational purposes, including issuance of permits, exemptions and certificates of origin electronically and preparing statutory reports or monitoring transactions.
“The Ghana Integrated Cargo Clearance System (GICCS), which is also a component of the Ghana Single Window, facilitates trade by minimising data entry, reusing pre-clearance documents submitted, reusing codes with customs systems without modification while maintaining the integrity of trade and customs-related documents used,” it said.
The release said other systems deployed under the Single Window were the i-Transit systems for the processing and monitoring of transit goods, e-Payments, transaction document verification and letter of commitment systems that enabled the banks to monitor foreign exchange payments for imports and export earnings among others.
It said the automated systems complemented capacity building of officers, sustainable infrastructure and logistics development, and office modernisation programmes carried out by GCNet and its partners have contributed significantly towards trade facilitation with improved revenue mobilisation with other spin-off benefits.
