Ghana‘s Customs Division has significantly enhanced its trade monitoring efforts by integrating technology to track shipments throughout the supply chain, aiming for improved risk management and operational efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to facilitate trade while curbing smuggling and non-compliance.
Samuel Akrofi, Acting Head of the Ghana Customs Laboratory, disclosed this development on Eye on Port, a programme by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
He highlighted the shift from traditional border inspections to a more comprehensive, technology-driven tracking system. According to Akrofi, customs authorities now monitor shipments at various points within the supply chain, allowing for a more proactive approach to trade oversight.
“We no longer just check goods at the border. Now, we track shipments throughout the supply chain using technology. The use of risk profiling allows trusted traders to clear goods faster, while high-risk traders face stricter checks,” Akrofi elaborated.
Historical Integration of Technology in Ghana Customs
Ghana Customs began its journey towards digitalization in the early 2000s. In 2002, the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) was introduced to enhance information interchange and risk profiling. Subsequently, in 2003, the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) was established to implement the Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS), facilitating electronic processing of trade documents and streamlining customs procedures.
Over the years, the Customs Division has continued to modernize its operations. In 2020, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) was implemented as part of the National Single Window initiative, further enhancing the efficiency of cargo clearance processes.
Challenges and Recent Measures
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. A notable issue was the breakdown of scanning equipment, which led to significant delays in processing cargo. By December 2024, the number of uncleared containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) had risen to 4,600, creating severe congestion.
“The breakdown of scanning equipment led to delays in processing cargo. By December, the number of containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) had risen to 4,600. The situation was getting out of hand,” Akrofi noted.
To address this issue, Customs introduced new measures in January 2025. One key action was to move uncleared containers to internal container depots (ICDs), where they would undergo physical inspection instead of being scanned. This approach aimed to decongest the port and ensure a smoother clearance process for cargo.
