Ghana’s trade sector is seeing renewed efficiency after the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) successfully cleared 1,000 containers at the Tema Port within ten days, reducing the backlog from 4,600 to 3,600.

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According to the Acting Head of the Ghana Customs Laboratory, Samuel Akrofi, the congestion, which began in July 2024 due to scanner breakdowns, had severely hampered cargo processing, slowing trade and increasing port congestion.

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“The breakdown of scanning equipment led to delays in processing cargo. By December, the number of containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) had risen to 4,600. The situation was getting out of hand,” Akrofi explained on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s (GPHA) Eye on Port programme.

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Efforts to fix the scanners, including flying in experts, did not yield immediate results, prompting Customs to introduce new clearance measures in January 2025. The revised strategy involved transferring uncleared containers to internal container depots (ICDs), where they underwent manual inspection instead of scanning.

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“We needed to clear the backlog without compromising security, so we transferred the containers to depots like the Golden Jubilee Terminal for further checks,” Akrofi noted, emphasizing that rigorous manual inspections ensured compliance.

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Beyond clearing the backlog, Customs is working to enhance efficiency in cargo processing through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), a digital platform aimed at reducing paperwork, strengthening risk management, and improving inter-agency collaboration.

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Additionally, Customs has shifted to a supply chain-based monitoring system rather than focusing solely on border checks. This approach, aided by technology, allows for real-time shipment tracking and risk profiling, ensuring trusted traders experience faster clearance while high-risk shipments undergo stricter scrutiny.

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Akrofi further revealed that Customs is leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve compliance monitoring.

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“Most shipments are compliant, but a few pose security risks. Our job is to identify and intercept those without disrupting the overall clearance process,” he stated.

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With these improvements, Ghana's trade sector is expected to operate more smoothly, boosting business confidence and government revenue collection.

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