CTN Implementation: GUTA to Protest

Deputy General Secretary of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Emmanuel Nana Opoku Acheampong notary as Nana Opoku has confirmed to thepublisheronline.com of an attempt to embark on strike by closing their shops over the introduction of a new system of clearing goods.

The decision to embark on strike, he explains is as a result of the government’s decision to introduce Cargo Tracking Note (CTN).

Information available reveals that currently, GUTA Executives, led by its President, Dr. Joseph Kwaku Obeng, are consulting their members over the intended strike.

In a release issued and jointly signed by GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, the Executive Secretary, Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson A. Asaki, and the Executive secretary, Food & Beverages Association, Samuel Ato Aggrey, on Friday indicated that the implementation of CTN policy will start in few days but it has not received any response to its grievances from the Government of Ghana.

The CTN requires importers to provide real-time information on all consignments to Ghana to a global monitoring platform.

The cost, which ranges from $100 to $200, is being borne by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Already, the Ship Owners and Agents Association have raised concerns about the CTN.

Available information indicates the CTN, when implemented, will collapse businesses hence the decision to embark on strike by closing all their shops.

The source said, the closure of the shops should have been today [Wednesday, August 29, 2018], but the consultations could not complete, reason why shops belonging to GUTA members are still open.

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), has as well over the period called on the Ghana Revenue Authority and other stakeholders at the various ports to review the current model of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) system.

The CTN requires importers to provide real time information on all consignments to Ghana to a global monitoring platform. But the Commissioner of Customs of the GRA, Isaac Crentsil insists it will not back down on the policy as it works to reduce revenue leakages.