Executive Director at the Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), Albert Derrick Fiatui, has likened the pervasive nature of the foreign infiltration in the customs house brokerage business to the galamsey menace urging quick action from the government.
Even though there is an existing legislation that cedes that aspect of the shipping business to Ghanaians, some local players in the business are being outmuscled by foreign-owned businesses operating in that space, albeit illegal.
According to Mr. Fiatui, his outfit has petitioned the trade and transport committee in parliament and will continue to aggressively pursue this matter until justice prevails.
“We have conducted research and have established a number of these companies that are engaged in the business of customs around, even though they are foreigners.
We are willing to engage customs to crack the whip and expose them,” he said.
The CIMAG boss also said they seek to engage the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) on the issue.
He added: “Customs says they are not giving license to foreigners. So, if other people are coming in, then it means something is going wrong somewhere. Of course, we also know there are unscrupulous agents who also connive with these foreign nationals and do these registrations. It is for us, and the system in general to be able to monitor and fish out such people so that the law deals with them and serve as deterrent to others.”