The customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, together with their technical partners, West Blue consulting have launched the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) Cash Xpress Card to help pay Customs Duty on the Ghana Trading Hub portal.

The card which was designed by Ecobank is also directed at removing cumbersome procedures at the ports to facilitate payment to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The CEO of West Blue Consulting, Valentina Minta stated that with the introduction and adoption of GNSW Cash Xpress card, there will be further reductions in the time and cost of doing business in Ghana.

She said the cash Xpress card is set to transform the payment of customs duties in Ghana and also expected to be a key component of the electronic payment services under the Ghana National Single Window Project.

“The e-payment platform which will be available or which is available at www.ghanastradinghub.gov.gh is structured to deliver convenience and effective coverage of import and export and transit related payments across the country,” she said.

The Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Dan Sackey stated that this is the first time, customs duty payment has gone digital, hence, it will be easier for trade documentation.

“Your cash express card will bring much anticipated convenience, it avoids you having to carry the cash from one point to another, and today, you load the cash unto your wallet,” he said.

Minister of Finance Seth Terkper indicated that the launch of the Ecobank Xpress Card compliments government’s efforts in simplifying and reducing the transaction cost of doing business in Ghana.

“The platform is expected to reduce time spent in transacting your business, customs related transactions and cost with the view to making the ports in Ghana the preferred choice as an international trade destination for exporters and importers in the West Africa sub region,” he said.

The Commsioner General of Ghana Revenue Authority, George Blankson said “now we are taking trade facilitation and ease of doing business to a new level and that is launching the cash express card which for the first time will permit the payment of duties and taxes at importation online,” he said.