As part of efforts to improve the collection and reporting of Non Traditional Export (NTE) statistics, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) undertook a sensitization programme for Freight Forwarders in Aflao on May 31, 2018.
The workshop, which attracted about 100 stakeholders in the export value chain, included some Custom Officers as well as Bank of Ghana (BoG) officials, whose role in trade facilitation is germane. Fundamentally, the workshop was necessitated by some inaccurate data entry into online export declaration system as well as data loss due to non-presentation on some manually completed export forms (Non-Traditional Products) to Customs Long room.
In a speech delivered by the Deputy CEO of GEPA in the stead of the CEO Gifty Klenam, Mr. Eric Twum outlined the relevance of NTEs to the economy and the need to therefore, ensure that the data presented to the various publics is accurate, reliable enough for proper projection, and planning.
He bemoaned the fact that incidents of inaccurate data entry into the GCNET by freight forwarders have led to the churning out of defective statistics on certain products, sectors or markets.
He reminded the Freight Forwarders of the crucial role of the statistics in shaping policy in the export sector. And that, many policy interventions have been undertaken based on NTE statistics. He reiterated the fact that statistics is able to inform policy makers whether there is a stagnation, plateau or growth in a particular sector and the appropriate and corresponding strategies applicable to remedy or reinforce same.
He entreated the freight forwarders to make the necessary efforts to rectify some of the anomalies outlined.
At the end of the workshop, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs division) and Bank of Ghana reminded the gathering that non-conformance to accepted standards of export data recording could lead to Freight Forwarders losing their license.
The Aflao district office of Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) on their part assured stakeholders that they would hold meetings to call the attention of their members to ensure that data available on export documents, especially on invoice is accurately recorded, going forward.
