Customs, GRA engage media on UNIPASS

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, has engaged members of the media, on the UNIPASS trade facilitation tool that would serve as a new Customs Management system at Ghana’s ports and frontiers.

UNIPASS is the product of Ghana Link Network Services and its technical partner, CUPIA, a wing of Korea Customs who have developed a time-tested Customs Business solution for Ghana.

According to a Deputy Commissioner in charge of Policy and Programs, Felix Mate-Kodjo, the UNIPASS is an improvement on the existing system, and the unique thing about it, in comparison, is the fact that UNIPASS deploys a system that operates as a single entity to provide end-to end customs administration system. According to him, this is more efficient and user friendly.

“From the single setting that we use, you would not have to move from one portal to another portal with the transmission problems that we have. Once you all operate within the same system, obviously the turnaround time will be reduced. With all intended purposes you will see that the UNIPASS is more fluid in terms of the movement of goods and services,” he explained.

He revealed that about 1500 clearing agents have been trained on its use, and the UNIPASS would eventually kick-start soon, after a pilot program has been undertaken in Takoradi.

The Assistant Commissioner for the Accra Collection of Customs, Emmanuel Ohene, said the speculation that freight forwarders are kicking against the implementation of the UNIPASS is false.

“I can attest to the fact that at the meeting with the freight forwarders at the Kotoka International Airport they whole-heartedly welcomed the UNIPASS initiative so if you say that freight forwarders are kicking against it then it is not entirely accurate,” he debunked.

He added that, the paperless clearance system in place has enabled some goods at Ghana’s port to be cleared within 2 hours, and encouraged compliance for all traders to enjoy such quick clearance experiences.