The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has charged government to come clear on a new agreement it signed with Ghana Link for the company to operate the single window project at the ports.
“These things do not work well for business at all. There must be some certainty in the environment otherwise the signal that we are sending to business is bad” President of GIFF, Kwabena Ofosu Appiah stated.
Ghana Link is the third company to sign a contract with government to operate the single window project for 10 years.
The company has CUPIA Korea customs service as its foreign partner.
The deal signed is also meant for the company to provide a trade facilitation and customs management system at the country’s ports.
But the freight forwarders argue that the job is already being done by West Blue Consulting and GCNet.
The two companies happen to be the ones operating the single window project at the ports.
The single window project is aimed at coordinating all activities at the ports on one platform to reduce time and cost in clearing and exporting goods.
In an interview with Citi Business News, Ofosu Appiah said the development will only bring extra cost to businesses operating at the ports.
“I don’t think this is the best approach, it is becoming really frustrating. I must tell you we are weary of system trials. In any case is that how we intend to develop our country? The authorities are also keeping mute and that is what even makes it worse” he exclaimed.
According to Citi Business News sources, Ghana Link and its foreign partners are going to earn 0.75 percent of total proceeds at the port.
This is way higher than what the current merchants are receiving raising concern from stakeholders as to the main reason why the Trade Ministry signed the 10 year deal.
They are however urging government to come clear on its decision and explain the development to them soon.
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana.