‘Single Window’ Takes Off – Effective And Efficient System Assured

Consultant working to ensure the successful implementation of the national single window for all imports clearance documents Classification, Valuation and Risk Management functions which before was performed by the Destination Inspection Companies (DICs) has assured the public of efficient and effective system management.

West Blue Consulting Limited, the Consultant for the programme which is to be implemented by the Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority hopes that issues of delay in document processing due to internet connectivity and cyber security challenges will be very minimal in real situations.

The Chief Executive Officer of West Blue Consulting Limited, Madam Valentina Mintah told Economy Times in Accra after a team made up of: the Deputy Minister Of Finance, Mrs. Mona Quartey; Deputy Minister Of Trade And Industry, Hon. Muntala Mohammed; And The Commissioner General Of Ghana Revenue Authority promised an efficient delivery of the nation’s single window project due adequate and proactive provisions put in place.

She said, provisions for two dedicated internet fiber cables for connectivity which ensures that, whiles one is in used there is always a back-up to switch to in case there are connectivity challenges with the one in use.

This will make maintenance easier without interrupting the system, which could delay in the processing of the import clearance documents.

Madam Valentina stated that, the new system which is Pre-Arrival Assessment Report System (PAARS) will save time and cost for importers and also increase revenue collections whiles saving revenue for the nation through proper assessment and classification of goods to ensure that the right duties and taxes are paid on all imported goods into the country.

In Hon Muntala’s remarks, he emphasized that trade facilitation has been one of the major programme and priority of his ministry and the government and therefore he is quite satisfied with how the new single window clearance system will speed up trade and other related activities.

He assured that, Ghanaians working with the Destination Inspection Companies (DIC’s) with special skills and capacity will be engaged when necessary to help the new system.

He expressed that, government is already in discussions with some of them to ensure smooth transition of the system.

On her part, Mrs. Mona Quartey she asserted that compliance and smooth administration of the single window will make life of Ghanaians easy and hustle free.

She tasked officers of the Customs Division of GRA to show excellence in their work so that they could be the star in Africa and the world. “Continue to be diligent, honest and value integrity,” she admonished the officers.

The deputy finance minister promised additional incentives for the officers to motive them to work harder and diligently.

The Commissioner General of GRA, George Blankson after the tour of the facility for the operations of the single window remarked that his confidence level has been heightened further considering the infrastructure and the preparedness of his men.

He called for the support of the entire nation to make the new work effectively for speedy imported goods document processing and clearance.

Government signed a single-sourced contract with West Blue Consulting Ghana Limited to execute the project which sparked public uproar.

The company has come under fire for being awarded the project which did not go through competitive bidding.

However, Lawyer for the Freight Forwarder who sued the government over its contract with company, Alex Afenyo Markin, described as an error, the decision by government to proceed with a single sourced contract.

But, the Company has explained that, adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a successful programme.

“In terms of preparedness, customs and partner government agencies and their clients are ready. However, with a project on this scale, we have to look at all the risks. There will be the internal risks and external risks. Internal risks could be behaviour of customs, attitudes etc. We also have external risks which could be systems or sabotage opportunities so we all have to be vigilant,” said the CEO.

“There is a contingency plan for every area. The organisation, the internal, the external so that when these risks come up we have mitigating items to ensure that we reduce it and that there is no panic in the environment,” she added.

In a related development, West Blue Consulting is getting ready to take over the Classification, Valuation and Risk Management functions from the Destination Inspection Companies (DICs) at Ghana’s ports as government has directed the DICs to hand over.

A letter addressed to the Chief of Staff and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Frederick Gavor, stated that effective 1st September 2015, all imports though the frontiers, air and sea ports will be processed by Ghana Customs through the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report System (PAARS) for the issuance of Customs Classification and Valuation Report (CCVR), which replaces the Final Classification and Valuation Report (FCVR).

“All active FCVRs (under processing and unutilized) will however be allowed in the current Destination Inspection System for the next thirty (30) days ending 2nd October 2015. Ghana community Network (GCNet) will cease transmission and receipt of completed FCVRs from DICs at the end of the grace period in October,” the letter indicated.