ACHAG Holds 3rd AGM, calls for Reduced Cost of Doing Business at the Ports

The Association of Customs house agents Ghana (ACHAG), has held it 3^rd Annual General Meeting. ACHAG has a national objective of ensuring maximum revenue mobilization to the state through education of its members. The AGM was under the theme doing business at the Port in the face of current economic challenges.

The Outgoing President of ACHAG, Yaw Kyei said there was the need for government to address the high cost of doing business at the Ports which may result in high inflation, smuggling and reduction in purchasing power of importers and exporters among others.

“Others also use neighbouring countries to smuggle in goods at very low costs and outsmart those who use legitimate means. In the midst of all these difficulties the association has done marvellously well in terms of customs compliance, training programs, advocacy and influencing both Port operational and procedural systems” he said.

The Deputy Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager at GPHA, Nana Esi Soderberg who represented the Director-General of GPHA, Michael Luguje called for strategic partnerships and collaboration which she noted are critical to building business resilience and surmounting some of the challenges faced in doing business through the Ports.

“Indeed partnered efforts and collaboration enable benefits such as integrated development across the ports logistics and clearance chain. It enables potential cost reduction which everybody needs through the alignment of our operations and our goals.

It also enables critical and constructive feedback for improvement of our mutual activities. It provides a platform for a focused voice and vision where we can together work to implement these things. It also gives us robust communication channels amongst many other benefits” she expressed.

There were solidarity messages from some stakeholders in the maritime industry.

“Your diligence, integrity and efficiency directly influence the effectiveness of revenue collection at our ports. By upholding high standards of professionalism and compliance, you contribute significantly to the economic stability and growth of our nation” Acting Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Mining Operations Customs GRA, John Bismark Kissi said.

Speaking at the event, a deputy Minister for Transport, Hassan Tampuli disclosed that a Committee has been constituted under the Economic Management Team with the responsibility to make recommendations on how to reduce cost of doing business at the Ports.

This, he noted, only goes to demonstrate the commitment of Government to creating the enabling environment for port business to thrive as well as solidify Government’s reputation as a listening government, having listened to concerns of various stakeholders in the Ports value chain.

The AGM saw the election of the Vice President of ACHAG, Akwasi Serebour Boateng elected as the new President.

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