The companies are the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Meridian Port Services, Guinness Ghana, Imexco Ghana Limited, Mantrac Ghana Limited, and Printex Limited.
The rest are Keda, Aquafresh Limited, and Nestle Ghana Limited.

The event was done in partnership with the Ghana Link Network Services.

An AEO is a business that has been approved by a national customs administration to comply with supply chain security standards and participate in the international movement of goods.

The World Customs Organisation introduced the AEO concept to balance security controls with facilitating trade for compliant businesses.

AEO status is a certified authorisation that demonstrates a business meets certain standards, including safety and security, commercial record management systems, customs rule compliance, financial solvency, and professional qualifications or competence.

Brigadier-General Zibrim Bawa Ayorrogo, the Commissioner in Charge of Customs Divison, GRA, said the AEO would help enhance the security and efficiency of the supply chain in Customs administration.

The certificates, he stated, would foster partnership to ensure safety and security standards compliance with trade facilitation.

The system, he stressed, would address the complexities in the supply chain space, build an efficient global trade environment, and enhance revenue mobilisation.

Brig Gen Ayorrogo said the AEO would be a game changer and the future of Customs in addressing delays at the ports and enhancing the country's competitiveness in trade business.

Mr Daniel Nuer, Head of Tax Policy Unit, Ministry of Finance, commended the operators for undergoing the vigorous assessment for certification.

"The success of the programme rests on how well you carry out the system based on your integrity and level of compliance," he said.

Mr Bismark Kissi, the Acting Deputy Commissioner Mining Operations of Customs Division of GRA, underscored the benefits of the certification in ensuring direct entry for factory-stuffed containers meant for export.

The benefits, he added, included reduction of financial guarantee in case of trans-shipment or movement of goods and faster disbursal of drawback amount.

The companies expressed commitment to guard the certificates and pledged to ensure compliance of Customs standards within the supply chains.