The Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG) has held its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Tema.

The event, held under the theme "Together Towards Tomorrow, Innovating Pathways to Success," brought together key industry stakeholders, including shipping professionals and customs experts, to discuss the future of Ghana’s trade facilitation system and explore collaborative solutions to navigate the challenges of an evolving global trade environment.

The Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Emmanuel Ohene, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo highlighted the pivotal role customs brokers play in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations, describing their work as "a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy."

He emphasized that the theme of this year’s AGM resonated deeply with the collective aspirations of the industry, underscoring the need for collaboration and innovation to overcome the sector's challenges and achieve sustainable success.

Mr. Ohene outlined key initiatives by the GRA to modernize customs operations, including the rollout of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which has significantly improved clearance processes and revenue collection.

"In today’s interconnected trade ecosystem, we must move beyond siloed approaches and embrace partnerships that foster mutual benefit," he said.

He also reaffirmed Customs' commitment to investing in continuous training for officers and stakeholders, enabling them to adapt to the complexities of modern trade.

Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of collaboration, stating that it means upholding compliance while facilitating trade, establishing regular feedback channels, and leveraging technology to streamline processes.

Mr. Ohene reiterated Customs’ commitment to fostering an enabling environment for trade while ensuring that the nation’s borders remain secure and the laws upheld.

"We count on CUBAG and its members to continue playing your part with professionalism, integrity, and innovation. Together, we can build a thriving trade ecosystem that benefits businesses, government, and citizens alike," he added.

CUBAG President, Nana Fredua Ofori-Atta, reflecting on the association’s achievements and challenges over the past year, expressed pride in leading CUBAG through a transformative phase, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership in guiding the association towards greater success.

He acknowledged the broader economic context, noting disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic volatility, and rising global protectionism.

Mr. Ofori-Atta also emphasized the sector’s responsibility to adapt to environmental sustainability goals, calling for the development of a climate action plan to transition from fossil fuels to greener energy sources.

"The time to start advocating for an industry-wide climate action plan is now," he urged, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the shipping and logistics sectors.

As part of CUBAG's continued efforts to address industry challenges, Mr. Ofori-Atta underscored the need for strategic policy shifts, such as the development of greener transport options, including a transition to freight trains powered by renewable energy.

"This is a call for investment in infrastructure that will not only reduce the cost of road development but also boost cross-border trade, particularly with landlocked neighbors," he added.

The AGM also addressed the increasing importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the logistics and customs brokering sectors.

With the majority of CUBAG's members being SMEs, the association is focused on ensuring their growth and resilience in a sector that is rapidly evolving towards end-to-end logistics solutions.

Mr. Ofori-Atta took the opportunity to warn members about the secession of certain individuals from CUBAG to form a rival association, urging members to remain vigilant and stay committed to the collective goals of the association.

The immediate past General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Esther Gyebi-Donkor who was chairperson for the occasion called for continued collaboration among stakeholders in the port and maritime industry to achieve higher efficiency.