IEAG Urges GRA: Bolster Port Digital System Resilience

• The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enhance the resilience of its digital services and payment platforms at ports.
• This appeal follows recent disruptions, including a week-long unavailability of the Ghana.gov platform at the port, which led to significant delays and financial losses for businesses.
• The IEAG recommends that the GRA invest in system resilience, regular maintenance, technical support, and robust contingency arrangements to ensure continuous port and customs operations.
• Beyond port systems, the IEAG also commended the Ghana Gold Board and the Bank of Ghana for their contributions to foreign exchange stability and reduced lending rates, which benefit importers and exporters.
• The average lending rate in Ghana decreased from 30.3% in December 2024 to 20.5% in December 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana's Financial Stability Review.

The association underscored that digital platforms must be engineered to guarantee that technical failures do not bring essential port and customs services to a complete standstill.

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to significantly bolster the resilience of its digital services and payment platforms operating within Ghana's ports. This critical appeal, made public on August 30, 2026, stems from recent operational disruptions that have severely impacted trade activities and resulted in substantial financial losses for businesses.

Specifically, the IEAG highlighted a notable breakdown of government digital platforms, particularly the Ghana.gov platform, which serves as a crucial interface at the port. Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the IEAG, reported that this platform was reportedly inaccessible for approximately one week before its services were eventually restored. Such prolonged unavailability directly hindered businesses reliant on the digital system for essential customs and other port-related transactions, underscoring the urgent need for improved Ghana customs digital system reliability.

In response to these challenges, the IEAG has put forth several key recommendations for the GRA. These include a call for increased investment in system resilience, the implementation of regular maintenance protocols, the provision of robust technical support, and the establishment of comprehensive contingency arrangements. The association emphasized that such measures are vital to prevent future disruptions and safeguard the efficiency of port operations.

As Ghana continues its strategic shift towards technology-driven systems for customs administration and broader Ghana trade facilitation digital infrastructure, the IEAG stressed the increasing importance of a reliable digital backbone. The association articulated that digital platforms must be meticulously designed to ensure that technical failures do not lead to a complete cessation of essential port and customs services. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining the flow of goods and preventing economic bottlenecks.

Furthermore, the IEAG advocated for authorities to establish effective backup systems. These systems would enable critical transactions to proceed without interruption even during periods of technical malfunction, thereby mitigating the impact of Ghana.gov platform port disruptions. The association firmly believes that enhancing digital reliability will complement ongoing reforms aimed at boosting the efficiency of Ghana’s ports and ultimately reducing the cost of doing business for importers and exporters.

Beyond the immediate concerns regarding Ghana Revenue Authority digital platforms, the IEAG also took the opportunity to commend the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for their significant contributions to improving foreign exchange and overall economic stability. The association noted that the relative stability observed in the foreign exchange market has provided greater predictability for importers and exporters, fostering increased confidence in planning international transactions.

GoldBod's gold trading policies were specifically acknowledged for strengthening Ghana's foreign exchange position and enhancing access to foreign exchange for legitimate business activities. Similarly, the Bank of Ghana received praise for its measures aimed at maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability. The IEAG highlighted the encouraging reduction in interest rates, which directly benefits businesses that depend on credit to finance their operations.

Citing the Bank of Ghana’s Financial Stability Review, the IEAG pointed out that the average lending rate saw a notable decline from 30.3 percent in December 2024 to 20.5 percent in December 2025. The association underscored that continued reductions in the cost of credit would offer substantial relief to importers and exporters requiring working capital for purchasing goods and fulfilling international trade obligations. The IEAG urged both GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana to sustain and deepen these beneficial measures, particularly in anticipation of the Yuletide period, when demand for foreign exchange, credit, and imported goods is projected to increase.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients on the potential for operational disruptions and financial losses due to unreliable port digital systems in Ghana, assessing contractual liabilities (e.g., demurrage) and the need for robust contingency plans for customs and trade transactions.

Source: Original reporting via GNA