Importers in Ghana can now pay their duties online ahead of the arrival of their goods at the port, following a major reform by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, stated that the system enables importers to estimate and pay their duties up to two weeks before their shipments arrive.
He said the initiative means traders can now make payments conveniently from their homes or offices, with physical clearance being the only remaining step at the port.
Mr. Sarpong described the reform as part of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, designed to boost trade, encourage industrialisation, and increase revenue.
He also revealed that Tema Port has now moved to full 24-hour service. While Customs had long operated round the clock, he said other agencies had previously slowed the process.
“So yes, if your goods arrive at 2 a.m., you can clear them,” Mr. Sarpong confirmed.
According to him, the GRA has brought all port agencies together onto a single digital platform, creating a unified trade window. He added that shipping lines and banks have also joined the system to support smooth operations.
While acknowledging that some teething challenges may arise, he stressed that both the online duty payment system and the round-the-clock port operations are already working effectively.
