THE Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) in collaboration with the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has organised stakeholders meeting on the deployment of the single window concept for the clearing of goods across the country’s ports.
The forum which was to gather feedback from users of the new system following the two entities decision to digitise the processes of documentation, was to afford managers an opportunity to access first hand information on its performance following its introduction in October last year.
Addressing participants at the forum, Operations Manager of GCNet, Mr Chris Holden indicated the new system was developed in consultation with stakeholders in the supply chain of clearing and forwarding is aimed towards a reduction of traffic associated with clearing procedures.
He noted, over 10 governmental agencies which includes the Foods and Drugs Board, Minerals Commission, Ghana Standards Board, Vertinary Services, etc. who are all involved in the online application of trade related transactions had been integrated onto the system following an approval from the National Communications Authority.
This new development according to Mr Holden would reduce considerable dalliance in government business and promote efficiency in the bargain.
Continuing, he noted the single window concept also forms part of the government’s e-governance project aimed at reducing the level of paper works in major ministries, departments and agencies across the country.
‘And when deployed entirely in major cities across the country, it can allow users to make payments online at any GCNet location thereby enabling easy process of documentations in all MDA’s’, Mr Holden remarked.
He also hinted of a proposed prepaid account to be activated effective march 2010 for importers as part of efforts being made to reduce the carriage of physical cash which would in turn go into reducing incidents of bribery and corruption at major transit points.
Mr Holden therefore called for support from stakeholders in the revenue mobilisation industry to embrace the new system aimed at achieving the country’s developmental goals.
Participants at the forum were optimistic the new system would help propel the country into achieving the set goal of a middle income status as well as propelling business competitiveness within the global economy.
They however regretted the internet connectivity was sluggish when one is logged, a situation they described as a frustrating which was impacting negatively on their businesses, and call on managers to improve and upgrade the system to enhance smooth delivery.
They also calls for an early passage of the data protection act which is currently at the consideration stage before parliament so as to make the deployment of the e-payment system an easy one.
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