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The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has certified nine companies to operate under the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme to facilitate trade and enhance revenue mobilisation.
The AEO programme is a key component of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards regime.
The programme aims to enhance the security and efficiency of the international supply chain.
Its benefits include the simplification of customs documentary procedures and faster processing of customers clearance.
The nine companies certified by the GRA yesterday are Meridian Ports Services, Nestle Ghana Limited, Printex Limited, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Keda (Ghana) Ceramic Company Limited, Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Mantrac Ghana Limited, Aqua fresh Limited and Imexco Ghana Limited.
At the event, the Commissioner General of the Customs Division of the GRA, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, said the initiative was a significant milestone for the Customs Division and Customs Administration across the region.
"The introduction of the AEO Programme into the supply chain in Customs worldwide began after the September 11 terrorist attack in the US. "The attacks significantly impacted global trade, highlighting the need for supply chain security. In response to the impact of the attack, the USAID initiated measures to secure supply chains, including partnerships between
Customs Administration and supply chain operators," he said.
Brigadier General Ayorrogo said the partnerships aimed to implement security measures according to Customs Standards, conduct audits to ensure compliance, recognise certified operators with special status, and provide benefits such as faster clearance and information sharing.
However, he said implementing those measures posed significant challenges for Customs, requiring a balance between trade facilitation and supply chain security.
"The WCO responded by designing the Safe Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade in 2005.
"A key tool within the framework is the AEO concept, which is pillar two of the Safe Framework, designated as Customs Business Operations," he said.
"The Customs Business Operations foster partnerships between Customs Administration and the supply chain operators by establishing safety and security standards, operators voluntarily accepting and implementing these standards, Customs auditing for compliance, rewarding certified operators with benefits like fast clearance, information sharing, reduced control, priority of treatment," he added.
He said the legal provisions governing the AEO Programme were provided under Section 8 of the Customs Act 2015, Act 891 and Regulation 15 of the Customs Regulation 2015-2016-LI-2248, Article 7.7 of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Trade Facilitation and the revised Kyoto Convention.
Brigadier Ayorrogo said the AEO programme was the future of Customs Administration as it integrated trade facilitation, supply chain security and compliance, thereby benefiting all stakeholders.
"This forward-looking approach addresses the complexities of international trade while tackling growing concerns around security, efficiency and global collaboration.
"As Customs Administration modernises, the AEO Programme plays a crucial role in building a more secure, efficient and resilient global trade environment.
"Most importantly, the AEO programme significantly enhances revenue mobilisation and revenue assurance for Customs Administration," he said.
On behalf of the division, Brigadier Ayorrogo expressed gratitude to the GRA Board and Club Management, GhanaLink Network Services, the GIZ Trade Hub Project, and the USAID Field
Future Project for providing the necessary assistance for the successful implementation of the AEO Programme.
The Head of the Tax Policy Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Dan Neur, said it was a major milestone in “our collective efforts to enhance trade facilitation and security and compliance.”
He said the certification was a testament to their dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illicit activities.
The Head of Trade Facilitation at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kyeremeh Yeboah, said he was glad that the Customs of Ghana had chalked up such a success.
He said the ministry would duly inform the WTO about the operationalisation of the AEO.
In an address read on his behalf, the Managing Director of Ghana Link Network Services, Nabali Bawa, said the initiative aligned perfectly with the country's vision of becoming a leading trade hub in West Africa.
The AEO Project Manager and acting Deputy Commissioner in charge of Mining Operations (Customs), Bismark Kissi, said six more companies were expected to be certified by January 1, 2025.
