Customs Division of The Ghana Revenue Authority has marked the 2019 International Customs Day in Accra with focus on ensuring an expansion in movement of people, goods and transport within the ECOWAS sub-region to achieve the needed economic growth.
Under the theme “Smart Borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Transport”, this year’s celebration underlines the role of Customs in ensuring international trade as well as facilitating cross-border movement of goods and services.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner General for Ghana Revenue Authority, Emmanuel Kofi Nti observed that the “SMART” concept would provide guidelines in evaluating organizational performance, enhancing security and adopting a data-enabled risk management system.
He added that the innovative approach would further boost business processes through the use of new technologies to achieve a solid global value chain.
Mr Nti emphasised the need to explore the use of other IT solutions to improve and expedite border processings.
Mr Kunio Mikuriya, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, in a speech delivered on his behalf, said customs had a dual task to facilitate a safe movement to encourage trade, travel and transport.
He noted that it was essential for customs to take the lead in consolidating and further amplifying the ongoing efforts at easing the flow of goods and people across borders, which would turn globalisation into a positive force.
Speaking on the theme, “SMART Borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Transport,” Mr Mikuriya explained that the concept of SMART borders highlights customs role in supporting the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
“It ensures timely delivery of raw materials to industries, reduces unfair competition in local communities, and opens up opportunities for marginalised communities to access new markets,” he said.