ECOWAS Commission to roll out online border clearing system

quist 14:42 - 09 June 2016

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As things stand now, it is more difficult to transport goods from Ghana to Europe than across the West African countries.

Economies in the West Africa Sub- region will soon have a seamless transition across borders as the ECOWAS commission rolls out an internet interconnection between West African states.

Only 30% of Ghana’s external trade is done with West African countries. Exporters and importers complain about many impediments at the borders of these countries especially in relation to customs restrictions.

Director of Customs at the ECOWAS commission, Salifou Tiemtore believes the internet connectivity will enhance information sharing between customs at border points in the West African countries will enable effective information sharing that will ease movement for business people.

“One of the first instruments needed is the connectivity between port systems, so that a truck coming from Accra to Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou will already no that they are expecting a truck. By this method the repetitive checks will be minimized easing movements”, Salifou Tiemtore said.