UK, Ghana strengthen customs cooperation to boost trade, economic growth

The United Kingdom and Ghana have formalized their longstanding partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing customs cooperation. This agreement will strengthen collaboration between His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to improve customs systems and trade processes, thereby boosting economic growth.

The MoU marks a new phase in the partnership between HMRC and GRA, which have worked together for over a decade to enhance tax administration, promote compliance, and boost revenue mobilization in Ghana. The two institutions will focus on capacity building and technical assistance, initially targeting the GRA’s Post Clearance Audit function, which verifies the accuracy of goods declarations after they have been released.

This initiative will be carried out through HMRC’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, facilitating technical exchange, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge sharing. This will draw on UK experience and international best practices in risk-based customs compliance.

The cooperation will initially concentrate on strengthening the Post Clearance Audit, which is crucial for verifying the accuracy of goods declarations, thereby ensuring compliance while facilitating efficient trade flows. Post Clearance Audit is a key component of customs modernization, enabling customs authorities to enhance risk management and improve outcomes for both traders and government.

The MoU is part of the broader UK-Ghana Growth Partnership, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth, trade, investment, and shared prosperity between the two nations. The UK’s Development Director, Terri Sarch, emphasized that the agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to unlocking sustainable economic growth through practical cooperation.

Carol Bristow, Director of Borders and Trade at HMRC, highlighted that modern customs administrations are vital for supporting economic growth, protecting revenue, and enabling legitimate trade. She noted that the partnership will leverage the expertise of HMRC and GRA to support Ghana’s customs reform priorities and strengthen border management.

Anthony Sarpong, Commissioner-General of GRA, stressed that effective customs administration is essential for trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth. He added that the partnership will facilitate technical exchange, knowledge sharing, and locally-led reform, ultimately bringing benefits to government, businesses, and traders.