Ghana gets thumbs up for implementing single window concept

A Senior Policy Advisor on International Affairs at the Netherlands Customs Administration, Mr Harry Griffioen, has commended the government for introducing the National Single Window (NSW) concept into its customs and trade processes.

According to him, the implementation of the NSW would cut cost by reducing delays in clearance procedures at the country’s ports because the platform serves as the point to receive and coordinate information flow across the trade chain.

Mr Griffioen made the observation when he led a three-member delegation from the Netherlands to call on officials of West Blue Consulting (WBC), technical partners for the implementation of the NSW in Ghana.

The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Mr Griffioen indicated that the single window concept had become the cornerstone in many e-government initiatives and in times of budgetary restraint the Single Window makes administrative sense as a way to save resources both for traders and the government.

“Not only has the concept simplified trade processes but has as well helped to limit the submission of large volumes of information and documents by companies involved in international trade to governmental agencies,” he said.

“We are very much impressed about the programme that was presented to us and if what is contained in the presentation is implemented, the GRA and also other departments of government would benefit tremendously,” he added. 

Mr Griffioen also commended the implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment System (PAARS), stressing that it would go a long way to facilitate trade.

West Blue

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Blue Consulting, Ms Valentina Mintah, who took them through the operations of the company, said her company was working tirelessly to ensure transparency in the clearance processes so as to achieve higher efficiency.

According to her, the company had ensured that processes were transparent as a way of reducing cost of compliance as well as the introduction of a service-oriented approach where government is providing a service to the trading community to ensure that “we all remain relevant”. 

She said export increase and relevant import coming with reduced time and cost was also key to her outfit in the entire process as technical partners for the project.

“Ultimately we are looking at increasing the competitiveness of Ghana while introducing efficiency into our clearance processes and reducing corruption by way of reducing human touch points,” Ms Mintah said.