GHANA needs to be faster and swifter in her responses to global trade processes and keep its enviable track record of becoming a trade hub in the sub region and beyond, Business Development Minister, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal has said.
Consequently, he said, government is focused on its agenda to expedite action on policies to boost business growth, create jobs and bring in more revenue for development.
He shared these sentiments when he received the General Manager of the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet), Mr. Alwin Hoegerle, at his office.
Explaining the rationale for the establishment of the Business Development Ministry, Mr. Awal indicated that his priority was to ensure business growth by working with all stakeholders in the private sector space to create a network of relationships that will attract investments, unleash the potential of the entrepreneurial spirit in the Ghanaian private sector and improve Ghana’s ranking on the World Bank Doing Business Index.
In response, Mr. Alwin Hoegerle (General Manager of GCNet) shared the GCNet experience of deploying innovative single window e-solutions in Ghana for the past 15 years, including the Customs Trade Net Single Window which integrates all industry players involved in trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation.
He noted that the deployment of other e-solutions, including the Ghana Integrated Cargo Clearance Systems (GICCS), e-MDA Portal, i-Transit, e- Tax, TRIPS and e-Registration portal, have remarkably contributed to improvements in the processes of doing business in Ghana thereby impacting significantly on trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation.
He further explained that GCNet heavily re-invests in systems upgrades and deployments to meet client expectations.
He added that GCNet is a model Private Public Partnership (PPP) with shareholders, including GRA, GCB Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and SGS SA.
“Over the years, GCNet has consistently paid dividends to the Government of Ghana, provides services across the length and breadth of the country and currently employs more than 200 employees,” Mr. Hoegerle remarked.
The Product Development Manager, Mr. Carl Sackey, in his contribution, highlighted the added value of GCNet’s e-solutions such as the Letter of Commitment (LOC) module for the Bank of Ghana in the e-MDA portal which has significantly impacted on foreign exchange repatriation of exports proceeds thereby boosting Government revenue streams. He announced some other deployments to Government at no cost to the country.
Mr. Awal, therefore, indicated his readiness to partner institutions committed to the vision of creating a business friendly environment to unlock the potential of the Ghanaian economy.
Impressed with the significant contributions of GCNet to deepening trade facilitation, improving business competitiveness and improving revenue mobilisation, the Business Development Minister promised to reciprocate the visit.
Mr. Hoegerle had called on the Business Development Minister, Mr. Awal Mohammed, to brief him on matters of mutual benefit to the nation, the Ministry and GCNet.
The interactions focused on how the two institutions could collaborate to help government realise its vision of expanding the revenue base and increasing collection to finance its development agenda.
The Finder