Faulty GC-Net Affects Goods Clearance At KIA

By Stephen Kwabena Effah
Saturday, 15 July 2006 (Page 4)

ACCESSING the GC-Net has become a problem for clearing agents at the Kotoka International Airport due to the high number of users.

Consequently, the agents have resorted to manual processing and clearance of goods at the terminal, making the process cumbersome.

GC-Net, an acronym for the Ghana Community Network Service, generates customs delivery orders electronically to notify clearing and forwarding agents about the readiness of consignments to be cleared from the ports.

Mr Afindabs Dahaman, Principal Collector of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), attached to the Aviance Cargo Village Terminal, who disclosed this to the media in Accra, said “we have reported the situation to the authorities to get it done as soon as possible to facilitate the clearance of goods.”

He was speaking during a visit by the Minister of Aviation, Gloria Akuffo to the Airport.

The Director of Airport Management, Chris Quaye, told the minister that the GCAA is arranging with Eco Bank to provide ATM machines at the Departure Hall where passengers can cash money.

The GCAA has acquired a high powered resolution X-ray machine to be installed soon to beef up the security inspection of luggage at the airport, he said.

The Director of Aviation Security, Major Awudu Mahama, said the GCAA will soon acquire security cameras to enhance its surveillance within the airport and outside.

He said a place will be designated at the Arrival Hall where the public will wait and receive their relatives and business clients.

Ms. Akuffo told reporters after the tour that she was very impressed with the developments at the airport.

She assured the GCAA of government’s support saying, “we will give GCAA, the necessary encouragement to ensure that they work hard towards the making of the airport, the hub of aviation in sub-Sahara Africa.”

She suggested to the GCAA to commercialize its newly-acquired machine used in lifting distressed aircraft to generate some income.