Valentina Mintah, CEO of West Blue Consulting
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has awarded West Blue Consulting for spearheading the provision of the national single window concept to loop all stakeholders unto one hub for the administration of services at one point.
The company was awarded at the commissioner’s end-of-year get-together held last Friday at the Customs head office in Accra.
A citation signed by the Commissioner, Customs Division, Kuudamnuru John Vianney, and Sector Commander, Seidu Iddrisu, reads, “In an attempt to modernise and to provide quick responses to our customers demands, there was the need to use modern technology to enhance our work in the areas of classification and valuation.
“Management decided to come up with a system that will assist address this challenge and the PAARS was designed to help in this regard. Your organisation provided the network support to ensure that this dream was realised by giving us state-of-the-art electronic platform for the discharge of these tasks.
“You spearheaded the provision of the single window concept to loop all stakeholders unto one hub for the administration of services at one point. You supported us and provided various consultancy services for us in classification and valuation.
“You assisted in solving difficult and contentious issues relating to valuation and classifications. We are grateful for the numerous supports you have given us and continue to give. You have greatly assisted in eroding the fears envisaged from the takeovers of inspection from the then inspection companies.
“We are proud to have you as a partner and we hope this loyal is sustained for our mutual benefits. We commend you for a great work done and greater more works already for the journey is still far.”
The single window project has made some impressive inroads by reducing import clearance transactions at the Tema Port and the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from two weeks to two hours, and increasing government’s revenue at the ports.