Stakeholders in the Freight forwarding sector have threatened a strike from Monday, August 27, 2018, if the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), for that matter the government, does not completely stop the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note, CTN.
According to them, CTN has multiple challenges which do not enhance port operation.
Addressing a joint press conference in Tema, the President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Kwabena Ofosu Appiah, said the CTN has a lot of false information which will hugely affect Ghana’s revenue mobilization drive.
Jointly organized by the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), Association of Customs House Agents (ACHAG) and Importers and Exporters Association saw the leadership and members furious at the said implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN).
Since its implementation on July 1 this year (2018), the system has received serious backlash from forwarders and importers who are now calling for a complete stop to the system.
According to the forwarders and importers, the purpose for which the CTN is been introduced is equally being done by other means including the cargomanifest.
The President of GIFF, Kwabena Ofosu Appiah said since the announcement of the CTN it was made known to be free but this is contrary.
Mr. Ofosu Appiah said it is disheartening that although they have raised numerous concerns for close to six months, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, in particular, has not acknowledged receipt.
Other stakeholders who spoke to GBC’s Radio Ghana said they will continue to fight their course until the government heeds to their call.
According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the CTN, among other uses is expected to plug off unidentified loopholes and leakages to preserve the sanctity and integrity of Customs valuation of goods and taxes as it collects and manage commercial and logistical information as well as safeguard and facilitate trade to significantly reduce the turnaround time for cargo clearing at the Port.
