The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has directed a ban on the land transit of eight (8) selected products such as cooking oil, rice frozen products.
Other affected goods are sugar, textiles, flour, canned tomatoes, pasta/spaghetti and pharmaceutical products.
The move, according to the Minister, is to strengthen border controls and safeguard government revenue.
“I met with the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Aaron Akanor, and the management of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to discuss the recent developments at our borders and to take decisive steps to protect Ghana’s revenue.” The Minister announced it on Facebook.
“Following this meeting, I have directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to immediately implement the following measures. First, I have directed a ban on the land transit of selected products. The affected goods are:”
1. Cooking oil
2. Rice
3. Sugar
4. Frozen products
5. Textiles
6. Flour
7. Canned tomatoes
8. Pasta / Spaghetti
9. Pharmaceutical products
These goods must now be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports and will no longer be permitted to enter or transit through Ghana via land borders.
“I have also directed the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB). This will establish a one-stop shop for valuation and strengthen intelligence sharing, including insights generated through the Publican AI system.” He added.
“These measures are intended to strengthen border controls, close revenue leakages, and safeguard government revenue.” Ato Forson indicated.
The Minister also directed all the relevant departments of the Customs Division of the GRA to ensure strict compliance of the directive.
“Accordingly, I have directed all relevant departments and units within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure strict compliance with these directives.”
Source: Elvisanokye.com