The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s government for introducing a 24-hour economy at the ports.
Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association’s Executive Secretary, said the move proves that the President’s election promise to implement a 24-hour economy was not a “hoax.”
He argued that the system offers more flexibility and convenience, giving industry players ample time to conduct business at the ports.
His comments follow the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong’s announcement that Tema Port is now officially operating 24 hours a day, allowing importers to clear their goods even at 2 a.m.
Importers can pay duties online weeks before goods arrive – GRA
“Since the 24-hour system launched at the ports, our agents have embraced it because it is more flexible,” Samson Awingobit affirmed. “You can handle the documentation in the morning, then go home to sleep, and return in the evening, from 10:00 p.m., to clear your goods. In fact, that’s even the best way, as it will drastically reduce the daytime traffic.”
He added that, “I can tell you with authority that agents even prefer working in the evening. You can finish all your documentation in the morning, pay all the fees and charges, and then return in the evening to clear your containers.”
Awingobit stated that the policy will not be a “nine-day wonder” because the positive results are already clear.
“We have really seen the policy’s positive results and have accepted it,” he said.
“You can even clear cars in the evening. It has come to stay and goes beyond Ghana’s boundaries.”
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