Ghana Customs threatens to withdraw license of crook agents
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has threatened to withdraw licenses of Custom Brokers who engage in illegal activities.
Mr John Vianney Kundamnuru, Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA, gave the warning in Tema during the presentation of certificates to 143 Custom House Agents who participated in a three-month intensive proficiency course and examinations in 2016.
Mr Kundamnuru, in a speech read on his behalf, said “to such brokers, I wish to put on record that not only will their Customs House Agents’ License be withdrawn; the Customs Proficiency Certificates of the holder will equally be withdrawn and cancelled”.
He stated that his outfit was aware of some brokers making constant errors, while others engaged in fraudulent and criminal activities.
He therefore implored them to ensure that they provided professional guidance to their clients and bring honour and dignity to the Custom Brokers profession.
The Customs’ Commissioner added that his outfit and other stakeholders must collectively meet the demands of international trade by using their skills and competence while facilitating international trade, investment and movements of persons across borders.
To make Ghana one of the best places for doing business, Mr Kundamnuru encouraged them to be aware of emerging threats such as terrorism, trade in illegal substances and piracy.
Mr Confidence Nyazdi, Tema Sector Custom Commander, called for a closer collaboration among Customs and Freight Forwarders to enable them achieve the common purpose of facilitating international trade and investments.
Mr Nyadzi reminded them to recognize that “revenue mobilization and the protection of public safety and security could not be left out of the equation”.
Mr Kwabena Ofosu-Appiah, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders(GIFF), called for continuous refresher courses for practitioners to build upon the proficiency courses.
Madam Caroline Afi Parker, Best Graduating Student, thanked the resource persons for the course stating that they had acquired deep insight into correct and acceptable practices in the sector.
Participants received training in customs procedures and codes, risk management, customs regimes, customs classification and valuation, role of Customs laboratory, customs duty and taxes calculations, among others.
Source: GNA