By Alex Ababio
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently certified nine companies as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) to streamline trade processes at the nation’s ports.
The certified companies include the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Meridian Port Services, Guinness Ghana, Imexco Ghana Limited, Mantrac Ghana Limited, and Printex Limited, with the remaining companies being Keda, Aquafresh Limited, and Nestle Ghana Limited.
This certification initiative was carried out in partnership with Ghana Link Network Services.
An Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a business recognized by a national customs authority as meeting certain security standards, enabling them to participate in international trade with enhanced facilitation.
The AEO concept, developed by the World Customs Organization, aims to strike a balance between security controls and trade facilitation for businesses that maintain high compliance.
AEO status is a formal authorization reflecting a business’s adherence to standards related to safety and security, management of commercial records, customs rule compliance, financial solvency, and professional competency.
“The AEO will bolster the security and effectiveness of Customs supply chain management,” stated Brigadier-General Zibrim Bawa Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs Division, GRA.
He highlighted that the certificates would enhance partnerships focused on trade facilitation by ensuring compliance with safety and security standards.
Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo emphasized that the AEO system is set to streamline complex supply chain operations, support a robust global trade environment, and boost revenue generation.
He described the AEO as “a game changer and the future of Customs,” which will reduce delays at the ports and improve Ghana’s trade competitiveness.
Mr. Daniel Nuer, Head of the Tax Policy Unit at the Ministry of Finance, praised the companies for completing the rigorous certification process. “The program’s success depends on your integrity and commitment to compliance,” he noted.
Mr. Bismark Kissi, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Mining Operations at the Customs Division, underscored the certification’s advantages in allowing direct entry for export-bound containers loaded at factories.
These advantages, he explained, also include reduced financial guarantees for trans-shipments or goods movement and faster processing of drawback refunds.
The certified companies pledged to uphold the standards and safeguard the certificates, ensuring compliance with Customs requirements throughout their supply chains.