Freight forwarders have given the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) a one-week ultimatum to withdraw the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) system since it is of no relevance.
The GRA in June this year implemented the CTN on a pilot basis, contrary to a supposed letter from the Vice President to suspend the novelty.
The ultimatum was given at a joint press conference organized by Custom Brokers Association, Freight Forwarding Associations, Association of Customs Clearing House Agents of Ghana and Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, in Tema Monday.
According to them, the introduction of the CTN aside increasing cost, compromises the system since it is not connected with any of the Customs platforms. This, they noted, also has security implications since vital national data find its way on a private platform.
Executive Secretary for the GIFF, Eddie Akron mentioned that some “invisible” hands are behind the illicit agenda to the detriment of the national interest.
Mr. Akron observed that a new platform, ‘Manifest’ which is already in place does what the CTN is supposed to do, saying the novelty has nothing better to offer except increasing cost of freight forwarding.
In a counter press conference, another group, Chamber of Freight and Trade believes the new system has come to solve the perceived ‘under declaration of invoices to Customs’.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Edward Sebbie
