Stronger GRA digital systems needed at ports – IEAG

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to bolster its digital systems and payment platforms at ports to avert disruptions in port operations. The association pointed out that recent failures in the Ghana.gov platform at the port led to significant delays and financial losses for businesses.

During a press conference, IEAG's Executive Director, Mr Samson Asaki Awingobit, stated that the platform was down for about a week before service was restored. Mr Awingobit emphasized the need for the GRA to invest in system resilience, regular maintenance, technical support, and contingency plans to ensure reliability. He noted that as Ghana continues to adopt technology-driven systems for customs administration and trade facilitation, robust digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly vital.

The IEAG also called for the development of digital platforms that prevent technical failures from halting essential port and customs services, alongside establishing effective backup systems to maintain critical transactions during technical failures. The association believes that improving digital reliability would enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s ports and reduce the cost of doing business.

Additionally, the IEAG commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for their contributions to improving foreign exchange and economic stability. They noted that the relative stability in the foreign exchange market provided greater predictability for importers and exporters, enabling them to plan their international transactions with confidence.

GoldBod's gold trading policies and the Bank of Ghana’s measures to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability, including the reduction in interest rates from 30.3% to 20.5% over a year, were highlighted as particularly encouraging for businesses reliant on credit. The IEAG urged GoldBod and the BoG to sustain these measures, especially ahead of the holiday season, when demand for foreign exchange, credit, and imported goods is expected to surge.