Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor has stated that the Single Window System has introduced efficiency in the various ports across the country. She intimated that the implementation of the Single Window is a sure way to achieve efficiency. According to her, the process has increased automation at the Ports and optimized business processes to the benefit of customers.

Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor made this revelation during a live interaction with the public on the Eye on Port Program. She noted that it has reduced drastically the processing time at the port. Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor stated that the ease of accessing GPHA’s services and charges has reduced customers’ costs in accessing invoices, paying, and taking delivery.

Also, she revealed that the falsification of documents has reduced through system integrations with other stakeholders increasing revenue.

“The Ghanaian Ports were a bit late in fully implementing the Single Window System. Cotonou and Lome for example took the lead, but the gains made by Ghana in the short period are commendable. It has made our Ports efficient”.

Furthermore, she highlighted the significant gains made from automation in the ports. This includes the Paperless Port Clearance Processes and the implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). This, according to her, has helped streamlined the activities of statutory agencies operating in the clearance chain. Also, she indicated that it has also impacted the cost of doing business at the ports considerably.

GPHA to Introduce E-Payment Platform

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor has revealed that the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority has created an e-payment platform. This will enable clients of the port can do transactions via mobile money, Visa, and MasterCard. It forms part of efforts to increase automation and make doing business at Ghana’s port easier, faster, and more secure. She pointed out that this has been piloted on some port clients and will be rolled out soon.

According to her, “the creation of a mobile app where clients of the port can validate invoices as well as calculate port charges” has further enhanced this initiative.

Moreover, she asserted that the Port Authority prides itself on customer satisfaction and always seeks to find improved ways of making doing business at the ports more convenient for clients.

Furthermore, she underscored the contributions made by the Vibrant Freight Forwarding Fraternity that operates in the Port. Noting that GIFF and ACHAG have been doing well by giving feedback on the Port Clearance System. According to her, they make constructive criticism and propose improvement solutions.

Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor emphasized that all the above have made the Ghanaian Ports more efficient.

GPHA’s peer-review awards over the years

She noted that the GPHA has consistently chalking many peer-review awards over the years. This, she attributed to the paperless port project. She also credited the availability of modern infrastructure, equipment, and the general performance of the Port of Tema to their success story.

“We have been best in container terminal productivity since in 2016, 2017, and 2018”.

Furthermore, the GPHA Management staff also revealed that receipt and delivery charges at Ghana’s ports have deliberately been reduced. This will bring relief to the local trading community.

She said the GPHA has been deliberate in the pursuance of customer-oriented policies and activities. She believed this woo the international trading community to use its ports.

“Our charges are preferably cheaper and the other incentives we give to them like the warehousing facilities. We have special arrangements where those who bring in huge volumes of transit cargo, are given 60 days instead of the usual 21 days to get the cargo cleared from the Port”.

Single window solutions allow trade stakeholders to interface electronically, submitting and distributing documents. These include customs declarations, import/export permit applications, trading invoices, and certificates of origin. The aim is to accelerate and secure the supply chain.