Working hours for Customs officials at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra and the two main ports in the country have been extended by three more hours for five days beginning Tuesday.

The move by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is to assist importers and businessmen clear their goods from the ports of entry in time for the Christmas and New Year seasons.

A statement signed by the GRA deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations Yaw Boakye Agyemang said officials at KIA as well as Tema and Takoradi ports will close at 8:00 p.m. on December 23, 24, 27, 30 and 31 instead of the normal 5:00 p.m.

“Port Operators at the ports of Tema, KIA and Takoradi are hereby implored to similarly extend their hours of operations on the said dates to ensure the success of the exercise,” the statement said.

The GRA explained that “this sacrifice has become necessary in the national interest”

The statement said the GRA is counting on the cooperation of all stakeholders to make the exercise smooth.

Meanwhile the Commissioner, management and staff of the Customs Division has wished all stakeholders a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.