The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Sampson Asaki Awingobit, has advised importers to submit samples of intended import products to the appropriate state regulatory agencies for testing, verification, and certification before bringing the goods into the country.
According to him, complying with these procedures will help prevent delays in clearing goods at the ports and reduce the risk of demurrage charges resulting from prolonged inspections and certification processes.
Mr Awingobit advised on the sidelines of an engagement he organised for the media and members of the public at Ashaiman New York in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
His comments follow concerns raised by some freight forwarders and port operators over what they describe as unnecessary delays in the clearance process caused by certain state agencies.
According to the Chairman of the Concerned Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, Kwesi Afewuah, while Customs officials often complete inspections within minutes, agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Energy Commission, and Ghana Standards Authority sometimes take several days to grant clearance.
Mr Afewuah noted that such delays negatively affect perishable goods and pharmaceutical products, leading to significant financial losses for importers. He further claimed that the actions of these agencies account for nearly 70 per cent of delays experienced at the country’s seaports.
Responding to the concerns, Mr Awingobit attributed the delays largely to importers’ failure to comply with laid-down procedures. He stressed that samples of all intended imports must be submitted to the relevant agencies for laboratory testing and certification before shipment.
According to him, the FDA, Energy Commission, and Ghana Standards Authority are only performing their legitimate duties aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring standards are maintained.
He therefore urged importers to act responsibly and adhere to regulations to ensure a smooth clearance process.
Touching on the deployment of Republican AI technology at the ports, the IEAG Executive Secretary described the initiative as a positive step toward tackling under-declaration and enhancing revenue mobilisation.
Mr Awingobit questioned why some importers continue to under-declare goods despite government interventions such as the abolition of the COVID-19 levy and E-Levy, reductions in VAT and inflation, as well as improvements in the exchange rate, all of which he said have helped lower the cost of doing business.
While assuring importers of his continued support, he emphasised that his advocacy remains focused on compliant importers and not individuals who flout regulations.