Accra, Aug. 31, GNA - Clearing of goods at Customs Bonded Warehouses is likely to be disrupted from Friday September 1, 2006 following a directive to withhold licences from warehouse operators that were not linked onto the GCNet facility.
The directive, which had attracted misgivings from the newly inaugurated Association of Warehouse Operators, gave the above date as the deadline.
Addressing members of the Association on Thursday in Accra, Mr Arnold Canfor-Dumas, Interim Chairman, appealed to CEPS to extend the deadline saying, the process was capital intensive hence it would be impossible for most operators to meet the deadline. Besides, he said most of the members had little knowledge of the entire GCNet system and would, therefore, need to be educated on its importance and benefits.
He said the effect would be serious since any operator that failed to link to the facility would not be allowed to operate or work at the warehouse and his or her licence would not be renewed. He said the Interim Executive would meet the CEPS authorities and make a formal appeal for extension.
Mr Canfor-Dumas told members that it was only when they were united and recognized as an Association that they would be able to articulate their needs and aspirations.
Less than a third of the over 275 warehouse operators in the country are currently hooked onto the GCNet facility, which provides a one-stop shop to facilitate the quick clearance of goods and enhances transparency.