Customs engages shipping lines, ICUMS on 24-hour operations at Tema Port

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has begun consultations with shipping lines and logistics partners as part of efforts to implement the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy at Tema Port.

At a stakeholder meeting in Accra on Monday, May 25, 2026, the Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Kanor, urged industry players, including major shipping lines, terminal operators, and technology partners, to address operational bottlenecks and commit to round-the-clock services.

He described Tema Port as a “gateway to the economy” and stressed that full 24-hour operations would be critical to reducing costs and improving cargo flow.

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Although digital systems such as clearance platforms and duty payments via Ghana.gov already operate continuously, physical services remain inconsistent.

Several shipping lines and service providers currently rely on extended hours or limited night staffing rather than full shifts.

Stakeholders identified late documentation and payments by clearing agents as a major source of congestion, with transactions often concentrated during daytime hours.

The Commissioner of Customs urged agents to process invoices earlier, while shipping lines have been asked to expand night-shift staffing and work with multiple banks to ensure payments can be made at any time.

Discussions also covered challenges with the recently introduced Manifest Business Requirement, including manual entries for vehicle chassis numbers, transit cargo handling, and strict name-matching rules for consolidators.

GRA Customs have capacity to support 24-hour port operations

Concerns were raised about penalties for manifest amendments, which Customs said could be avoided through accurate initial submissions.

The Commissioner indicated that the government may review the rules and penalty structures as part of ongoing legal reforms.

Global shipping firms, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, together with technology partner Ghana Link, agreed to develop proposals for extended staffing and 24-hour payment systems.

“The 24-Hour Economy policy is a government directive requiring the full commitment of all stakeholders,” Commissioner Kanor said.

He added that the objective is to ensure goods move through the port within a single day.

SA/BAI

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