WCO supports Ghana Customs Brokers Association with rules of origin competency development

Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Brokers Association - Ghana (CUBAG), held a national training workshop on rules of origin for supply chain professionals. The workshop was held in Accra, Ghana, from 7 to 9 October 2024 with the objective to enhance the knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin.

It goes hand in hand with the WCO theme of the year, "Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose", a partnership that will contribute meaningfully to the WCO objectives of trade facilitation, border security, and the resilience of global supply chains.

In his opening remarks, Mr Fechin Akoto, representing the GRA Commissioner Customs, stressed the importance of brokers, freight forwarders and Customs working efficiently together as partners to ensure correct application of rules of origin in Ghana. He encouraged participants to engage and actively participate in the training to get knowledge to match Customs and avoid knowledge gaps.

During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, as well as related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs. Participants also raised challenges encountered in their daily dealing with imports and exports for private sector clients.

Participants engaged actively and greatly appreciated the opportunity given by the workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences and stressed that this training would contribute to trade facilitation as well as fair and efficient revenue collection.

The workshop is also beneficial for the trust building process between Customs and the private sector and participants commended the cooperative approach between the various stakeholders in the supply chain.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with GRA and private sector associations to equip all relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin.

For further information please contact [email protected]