Ghana Customs exceeds 2016 revenue target by 26%

The introduction of a new clearance system enabled the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to exceed the revenue target by 26 percent in 2015.

According to the Division the “single window system” introduced by the government has made it easy for importers and exporters to clear their goods in time enhancing revenue inflows and mobilization.

“With this new system exporters and importers can now sit at the comfort of their offices and easily access information for clearance of goods and services”, Senior Revenue Officer (SRO) Samuel Opoku Afriyie, the Kofi-Badukrom-based commander of the Division, said.

Speaking at speaking at a tax education forum on the theme: “Honouring tax obligation is a sign of good citizenship”, at Abesim near Sunyani, Mr Afriyie said indicators showed that division would exceed the revenue target for the year.

The event was organised by Customs Divison of the GRA and attended by exporters, importers and car dealers as well as some officers of the division.

Mr Afriyie said instead of 14 days, importers and exporters now have 48 hours to clear their goods at the ports under the new clearance system, a move which is contributing significantly to revenue inflows.

This new system brings together key government Agencies and Department involve in the clearance procedure of goods and services.

Mr Evans Amenu, the Head of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Taskforce of the Division, expressed concern about the porous nature of the country’s borders.

This situation, he said, has contributed to increased smuggling of goods and entreated the general public especially those resident along border towns to support the efforts of the Division to arrest the situation.

Source: GNA