The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce - GNCC has called on the government to step up the level of sensitization of industry stakeholders on the paperless system introduced for Ports in the country.
In an interaction with journalists, President of GNCC, Nana Appiagyei Dankwaso noted that the new system was a welcomed development which could not be ignored but stated that, “as much as we agree and support that cause, we also want to advise that there is sensitization on this issue for everybody to embrace it for us to take off smoothlyâ€.
Commenting on the chamber’s rationale in supporting the new system which will expedite import/exportation processes at the ports, Mr. Dankwaso said: “we think that we almost import everything into this country and we also do same trying to reciprocate by doing some exportsâ€.
He further stressed that the system will aid price reduction of goods as well as in addressing the issue of inflation.
The call from the GNCC follows last week’s demonstration by freight forwarders at the Tema Ports who equally demanded for more sensitization on the new policy to enable them take advantage of it, while securing their business interest which they claimed was threatened by the paperless clearing system.
The paperless system - currently in its test-run stage, will take full effect from September 1st 2017 as directed by the nation’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Hinting on the level of readiness of the system – specifically at the Tema Port: its Director, Edward Osei said, “We are about 9 points out of 10 when it comes to preparation. Everyone is working hard to make sure that it worksâ€.
He added the directive is from the presidency and pleaded with them to either be part of it, or count themselves out of the system.Â