The Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority has created an e-payment platform where clients of the port can do transactions via mobile money, Visa and MasterCard as part of efforts to increase automation and make doing business at Ghana’s port easier, faster and more secure.
The General Manager in Charge of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor who made this revelation during a live interaction with the public on the Eye on Port Program, said this has been piloted on some port clients and will be rolled out soon.
According to her, this initiative is further enhanced by “the creation of a mobile app where clients of the port can validate invoices as well as calculate port charges.”
Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor said the Port Authority prides itself in customer satisfaction and always seeks to find improved ways of making doing business at the ports more convenient for clients.
In responding to how she would rate the Ghanaian ports as far as efficiency in cargo clearance is concerned, Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor answered by saying that remarkable successes have been Chalked. She intimated that the implementation of the Single Window is a sure way to achieve efficiency. “The Ghanaian Ports were a bit late in fully implementing the Single Window System since Cotonou and Lome for example took the lead, but the gains made by Ghana in the short period is commendable. It has made our Ports efficient”.
She highlighted the significant gains made from automation in the ports, such as the Paperless Port Clearance Processes and the implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which has not only streamlined the activities of statutory agencies operating in the clearance chain, but has impacted the cost of doing business at the ports considerably.
According to her, the process has increased automation at the Ports and optimized business processes to the benefit of customers. Processing time has also been reduced significantly. Customers cost in accessing invoices, paying and taking delivery has been reduced due to the ease of accessing GPHA’s services and charges.
Also, falsification of documents has reduced through system integrations with other stakeholders resulting in increase in revenue.
Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor also underscored the contributions made by the vibrant freight forwarding fraternity that operates in the port.
She indicated that GIFF and ACHAG have been doing well by giving feedback on the port clearance system as they make constructive criticism and propose solutions for improvement.