Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, has announced an immediate ban on the land transit of several selected goods in a move aimed at tackling smuggling and protecting government revenue.
The directive follows a meeting between the minister and the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Akanor, along with the management of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to assess recent developments at Ghana’s borders.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Dr. Forson said the decision forms part of measures to strengthen border controls and close revenue leakages.
The products affected by the ban include cooking oil, rice, sugar, frozen products, textiles, flour, canned tomatoes, pasta or spaghetti, and pharmaceutical products.
According to the finance minister, these goods must now be imported exclusively through Ghana’s seaports and will no longer be allowed to enter or transit through the country via land borders.
Dr. Forson explained that the directive is intended to curb smuggling activities that have been affecting government revenue collection.
“As part of steps to protect Ghana’s revenue, I have directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to immediately implement these measures,” he stated.
The minister also announced the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau to establish a one-stop shop for valuation and improve intelligence sharing within the Customs Division.
He said the move would also enhance the use of insights generated from the Publican Artificial Intelligence system used by customs authorities.
Dr. Forson has therefore directed all relevant departments and units within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure strict compliance with the new measures.
The government expects the directive to strengthen border monitoring, improve revenue mobilisation, and reduce illegal trade activities along Ghana’s land borders.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
