Senior Revenue Officer, Rubben Kwaku Satu, Officer in charge of Strategy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB), identified the lack of supporting documentation for declarations and appeals; data-entry errors involving vehicle chassis numbers, models, and engine cubic capacities; incomplete certificates of origin; and the attachment of incorrect invoices and bills of lading as some of the recurring problems confronting Customs.

Speaking during a UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and PwC Ghana webinar on “Customs, Import Documentation, and Trade Facilitation: Improving Efficiency for Businesses,” Rubben Kwaku Satu, Esq. continued that without supporting documentation, an officer may be unable to justify accepting the importer’s position, which can prolong processing. Data-entry errors, on the other hand, can lead to incorrect assessments and require subsequent corrections, modifications, or cancellations.

Furthermore, incomplete certificates can result in claims for preferential tariff treatment being rejected until the documentation is corrected, while the cancellation or modification of declarations containing incorrect invoices or bills adds both cost and time to the clearance process.

These documentation errors or compliance errors, when minimised, ensure that Customs is efficient for businesses,” Mr. Satu remarked, and urged business owners to get involved in the process to reduce the errors.

“As a business owner, get involved in the clearance process. That is the only way errors will be minimised and you’ll get value for money to protect your business,” he said.

Get it right before the goods arrive

Satu further advised businesses to engage qualified and licensed Customs house agents, use pre-arrival processing and, where applicable, seek advance rulings on classification and origin to reduce errors.

He said regular importers could use advance rulings to establish the applicable classification and origin treatment of goods before arrival, improving predictability and allowing them to plan appropriately. Businesses importing large volumes could also consider becoming self-declarants, enabling their staff to specialise in their own import transactions.

Businesses using Customs house agents, however, should not leave the entire process to the agent.

What businesses that use Customs house agents should do is they should study the declarations received from their agent and ensure all anomalies are corrected before the goods arrive,” Mr. Satu advised.

He strongly recommended pre-arrival processing so that declarations could be submitted and discrepancies dealt with before consignments reach the ports.

Businesses should also have their Import Declaration Form (IDF), bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, permits, licences, exemptions and authorisations, relevant bonds and guarantees, sales contracts, letters of credit and evidence of payment readily available where applicable.

A panelist, Ebenezer Agawu, Operations Manager at Consolidated Shipping Agencies LTD., concurred with Mr. Satu’s position, emphasising the importance of getting the documentation right before making a submission.

 If you are able to present an accurate document, that should actually enhance the facilitation of Customs procedures and other agencies without any difficulty,”  he remarked.

Customs pushes reforms as port hitches persist

Satu said Customs was also implementing measures intended to improve efficiency, consistency, and predictability.

These include advance rulings, the single-window platform, pre-arrival processing through ICUMS, risk management and post-clearance audits, electronic payment of duties and taxes, and greater cooperation among border agencies.

Customs has also centralised classification, valuation, and appeals through the CTSB, while officers are being trained and retrained to improve consistency. Classification and origin advance-ruling applications have also been digitised.

Other improvement measures outlined include efforts to improve vehicle processing, joint inspection of consignments, publishing a list of licensed Customs house agents, and exploring ways of clearing empty containers more quickly to decongest the ports.

Agawu, however, highlighted operational bottlenecks which, in his view, continue to undermine some of the efficiency gains being pursued.

He pointed to delays at valuation, congestion at the ports, and difficulties transferring containers from MPS to inland container depots. He said delays in moving containers could have financial consequences for importers as the clearance period continued to run.

Agawu thus suggested that improved rail infrastructure and inland Customs-controlled facilities in areas including Kumasi and Tamale could help reduce decongestion.

Responding, Satu acknowledged that road infrastructure was affecting the movement of containers to inland container depots.

There are discussions underway to improve because it’s a balancing act between protecting revenue and ensuring businesses do not suffer,” he said.

Customs as a shared responsibility

Against this backdrop, Satu encouraged businesses to approach Customs offices with their concerns, follow Customs’ media engagements, prepare adequately before importing, and take advantage of suspense regimes and preferential arrangements including AfCFTA, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement.

For us to be efficient as Customs, it’s a shared responsibility between us and you. Help us to be efficient, so you also benefit as businesses,” Satu concluded.

Beyond documentation and clearance efficiency, the webinar, moderated by Maxwell Ntiri, an Associate Director with PwC Ghana’s Tax Services, examined Publican- one of Customs risk management tools, Customs classification and valuation, advance rulings and appeals, post-clearance audits, the new Customs Act, non-tariff barriers and trade arrangements including AfCFTA, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, and the UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement.

The new service will add another East African carrier to Accra’s international aviation network, bringing the number of East Africa-based airlines serving Accra International Airport to four.

Beyond the new route, passengers will be able to connect to 19 destinations across 14 countries, including Nairobi, London, Dubai, Mumbai and Zanzibar.

Euroworld Air Services Limited will serve as Uganda Airlines’ General Sales Agent in Ghana.

The launch comes amid growing efforts by African airlines to improve intra-continental connections and reduce reliance on indirect routes through Europe and the Middle East. More convenient air links could help businesses connect with new markets, facilitate commercial travel and encourage tourism between the two regions.

For Ghana, the new route offers an additional gateway to East Africa, improving access for traders, investors and tourists seeking opportunities across the continent.

For Ugandan businesses and travellers, Accra provides access to one of West Africa’s key commercial centres, with opportunities for partnerships in sectors including trade, services and tourism.

Stronger air links could support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making business travel and the movement of people between African markets more efficient. Improved connectivity can also help tourism operators develop multi-country travel packages, encourage investment and strengthen commercial relationships.

With its October 27 launch approaching, Uganda Airlines’ entry into Accra adds momentum to efforts to build a more connected African aviation market, linking Ghana more directly with East Africa and expanding travel options for passengers and businesses on both sides of the continent.

Ghana could have a national airline back in the skies within 18 months, according to global aerospace company Boeing, as discussions intensify over the revival of the country’s national carrier.

The indication followed high-level discussions between President John Dramani Mahama and senior Boeing executives in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Boeing expressed its readiness to work with the Ghanaian government on the proposed national carrier, indicating that an 18-month timeline could be achievable if the necessary structures and implementation arrangements are put in place.

President Mahama, however, said Ghana’s plans extend beyond acquiring aircraft for a new national airline.

Ghana does not want its relationship with Boeing to be defined simply by the purchase of aircraft. We want a strategic partnership that helps us build an aviation ecosystem—creating skilled jobs, transferring technology, strengthening our industrial base and positioning Ghana as an aviation and logistics hub for West Africa,” he said.

He said the government was looking for strategic partners capable of supporting Ghana’s efforts to build local capacity and attract investment.

As we Reset Ghana, we are looking for partners prepared to invest with us, build capacity with us and share in the prosperity we create. Boeing can be one of those strategic partners,” President Mahama added.

Beyond the national carrier

The discussions focused on a broader aviation partnership that could support the establishment of the national carrier while developing the infrastructure, technical expertise and human capital needed to strengthen Ghana’s aviation industry.

One of the proposals under consideration is the establishment of a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Ghana to serve airlines operating across West Africa and other parts of the continent.

An MRO facility would provide services such as aircraft maintenance, repairs and technical inspections, potentially reducing the need for airlines in the region to send aircraft abroad for some maintenance services.

The talks also covered aviation training, skills development, technology transfer and the creation of high-value jobs for young Ghanaians.

Aviation and logistics hub

The proposed partnership forms part of President Mahama’s broader Reset Ghana agenda, which seeks to attract strategic international investment and strengthen Ghana’s position as a gateway for trade, aviation and logistics in West Africa.

For now, Boeing’s 18-month indication provides a potential timeline for the return of a national carrier, but achieving that timeline will depend on the government establishing the required institutional, financial and operational arrangements.

The proposed partnership could also extend beyond the airline itself to include aviation maintenance, training, technology and other activities across the aviation value chain.

Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, said the Authority was hopeful that the airlines would successfully complete the required certification process and join existing domestic operators.

Speaking on the PM Express Business Edition hosted by George Wiafe on September 24, 2026, Rev. Arthur said the prospective operators were currently going through the five phases of certification required by the aviation regulator.

We still have that hope that those currently going through the five phases of certification could be completed on time for them to join the current operators,” he said.

According to him, the entry of additional airlines could increase competition, provide passengers with more travel options and potentially contribute to lower domestic airfares.

“We are hopeful when all these players come on board, that could go a long way to reduce fares and bring on board the required options for consumers within Ghana,” he added.

Safety remains priority

Rev. Arthur stressed that while the GCAA was encouraging new operators to enter the domestic aviation market, safety would not be compromised in the process.

He said the Authority’s responsibility was to ensure that all prospective airlines met the required regulatory and safety standards before being allowed to commence operations.

Ghana currently has two airlines operating in the domestic aviation market, compared with previous periods when about five carriers operated on domestic routes.

Rev. Arthur said the collapse or exit of some airlines could not be attributed solely to regulation and taxation, pointing instead to a combination of business and operational challenges.

We could look at lack of capital, boardroom wranglings, corporate governance issues and possibly cost of aviation fuel,” he said.

High domestic airfares

On concerns over high domestic airfares, Rev. Arthur said the GCAA could not directly dictate how airlines priced their tickets because fares were largely influenced by market conditions.

However, he said effective regulation and increased competition could help create conditions for more competitive fares.

It will be difficult for the regulator to direct the airline on how to price their tickets, but we believe that with effective regulation, competition and market forces, that could help to reduce prices,” he said.

He also disclosed that government had recently removed duties and taxes on spare parts for domestic airlines as part of measures aimed at reducing the cost of operating in the sector.

According to him, reducing operational costs would help create a more favourable environment for domestic carriers and encourage investment in the industry.

Improving aviation business environment

Rev. Arthur said the GCAA was also working to improve the broader business environment within the aviation sector to attract more operators.

He noted that government had invested significantly in aviation infrastructure across the country, making it important to ensure that the infrastructure supported increased passenger movement and economic activity.

We are also working to improve the economy around this aviation infrastructure that government is building in the country,” he said.

He added that attracting more airlines and expanding domestic air travel would help maximise the benefits of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Because we cannot develop all these infrastructures and at the end of the day it is very difficult for people to fly in the country,” he said.

Air Uganda is expected to commence operations to Ghana in October 2026, while Etihad Airways is scheduled to begin operations in March 2027.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Afriyie Opare, disclosed this at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.

According to her, the entry of the two airlines will strengthen Ghana’s connectivity with key destinations and contribute to the steady growth of operations at the airport.

In October this year [2026], we’ll be welcoming Air Uganda and in March of next year [2027], we’ll be welcoming Etihad Airways. This speaks to the steady growth of operations at the Accra International Airport,” she said.

Opare said the planned expansion of airport infrastructure was necessary to meet the growing demand for air travel and improve the overall passenger experience.

The Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex is expected to expand the airport’s facilities by providing additional parking capacity and accommodation for passengers, airline crew and other airport users.

The project will form part of efforts to modernise the airport and improve the services and facilities available to travellers as passenger traffic continues to grow.

King Mohammed VI informed the US president of the decision in a letter dated July 2, 2026. The Moroccan monarch said relations between the two countries, traditionally based on friendship and loyalty, had become particularly dynamic and productive during Trump’s two presidential terms.

The King highlighted the United States’ 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, describing it as a historic decision that would remain in the collective memory of Moroccans and had given new momentum to bilateral relations.

As a personal expression of appreciation, King Mohammed VI said he had decided to name one of Morocco’s most important highways after the US president.

Stretching over 1,055 kilometres, the expressway connects northern and southern Morocco and forms a strategic link between Europe and Africa. According to the King, the road contributes to Morocco’s territorial connectivity in the same way that Trump’s leadership had brought the two countries closer together.

President Trump thanked the Moroccan monarch in a message published on his Truth Social platform on July 26.

“Thank you to Highly Respected Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco — Such a Great Honor!” Trump wrote, adding that he hoped to travel the full length of the highway in the future.

Major Infrastructure Project

The Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway was built according to international standards as part of the development model for Morocco’s southern provinces, launched by King Mohammed VI on the 40th anniversary of the Green March.

The road connects Tiznit and Dakhla through several cities, including Guelmim and Laayoune. It is intended to improve road safety, shorten travel times and reduce traffic disruptions caused by flooding and sand accumulation.

The project is also expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the southern provinces and Morocco’s main economic centres.

Beyond its national role, the expressway is described as the backbone of Morocco’s Atlantic corridor and an important component of the King’s vision to transform the Atlantic coast into an integrated area of development, cooperation and shared prosperity with African countries.

The road is also intended to promote trade and economic integration in West Africa and strengthen Morocco’s position as a logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa.

Symbol of Morocco-US Partnership

The naming of the expressway reflects the strong strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States and the relationship between the two heads of state.

In a message to King Mohammed VI marking Morocco’s Throne Day, President Trump referred to 250 years of American history and enduring friendship with Morocco, describing the relationship as one based on trust and mutual respect.

Trump also reiterated Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only basis for what he described as a just and lasting solution.

The “Donald J. Trump Highway” is therefore presented not only as a major infrastructure project, but also as a symbol of diplomatic friendship, economic integration and Morocco’s broader ambitions for development across Africa.

Rabat, August 1, 2026

The agreement, signed in Accra, provides a framework for the two airlines to integrate their networks. Once implemented, Etihad passengers will be able to book a single ticket beyond Accra to destinations across Ghana and West Africa served by Africa World Airlines. Likewise, AWA customers will gain seamless access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network of 118 destinations.

Beyond passenger travel, the partnership will also strengthen cargo operations by linking Ghanaian and West African exporters to Etihad Cargo’s global network. The airlines also plan to collaborate on loyalty programmes, allowing members of both carriers to earn and redeem rewards across their respective networks.

The agreement comes amid growing trade, investment and diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, alongside increasing travel demand between Accra and Abu Dhabi. The airlines say the partnership lays the foundation for stronger commercial links between the two markets.

The Memorandum of Understanding took effect on July 24, 2026, with implementation of the various areas of cooperation to be rolled out in phases. The partnership also paves the way for Etihad’s planned Abu Dhabi–Accra service, scheduled to commence on March 24, 2027. Combined itineraries will go on sale once the interline agreement becomes operational.

Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, Arik De said: “Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there. This framework spans passenger services, cargo and loyalty, and it will connect Ghanaian travellers and  businesses to Abu Dhabi and to our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana.”

Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, Sohail Mahmood said: “Africa World Airlines has proudly connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade, with a network that includes Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger, cargo and loyalty will give our customers direct access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s expansive global network, while creating greater opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and international businesses.”

Officials said further details on the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements will be announced as each phase of the partnership is implemented.

The upgraded technology is expected to streamline security checks by allowing passengers to keep laptops and other large electronic devices in their cabin baggage during screening, eliminating the need to remove them manually.

Under the new system, passengers will also no longer be required to remove shoes and belts during routine screening unless they are selected for additional checks through security profiling.

GACL explained that the new equipment will also permit passengers to keep liquids, aerosols and gels in their cabin baggage during screening, although existing aviation security regulations remain in force. The company stressed that liquids above 100 millilitres per container are still prohibited in cabin baggage.

The upgrade further includes the installation of an Automatic Tray Return System, which is expected to accelerate the screening process by ensuring quicker return of trays to passengers after checks, allowing them to repack their belongings more efficiently.

GACL said the transition to the new screening system will be implemented in phases alongside existing equipment and procedures to ensure uninterrupted airport operations.

The company urged passengers and other stakeholders to cooperate with airport officials as the new technology is rolled out.

The company’s advisory comes at a time when visa application volumes across several markets continue to rise, particularly around peak travel periods for students, families, organised groups, corporate travellers, sports teams, and delegations. With this increased demand, applicants are encouraged to plan early, rely only on official information, and avoid third parties who claim to influence appointments or visa decisions.

“Trust is central to the visa application experience. At VFS Global, our role is to provide applicants with a secure, transparent, and well-managed administrative process on behalf of our client governments. We strongly encourage residents in Ghana to use only official VFS Global channels, avoid intermediaries who make false promises, and plan their applications well in advance. Our continued focus is on supporting governments and applicants through responsible processes, strong anti-fraud measures, and services that help facilitate travel from Ghana in a safe and reliable manner,” said Prashant Kansara, Regional Head for Central & West Africa at VFS Global.

Strengthening applicant protection and anti-fraud awareness

VFS Global continues to run applicant-awareness initiatives to help residents identify and avoid fraudulent practices. Applicants are reminded that visa appointments are booked through official channels and that no agent, employee, or third party can guarantee an earlier appointment, faster processing, or a positive visa decision.

Fraudsters often misuse company names, logos, social media listings, search engine pages, or unofficial contact numbers to mislead applicants. VFS Global urges residents to verify information only through the official website, www.vfsglobal.com, and to report suspicious activity to the company through official contact channels.

As part of its safeguards in Ghana, VFS Global has implemented measures such as appointment verification, OTP-based appointment booking, validation of application and appointment references, anti-fraud messaging across applicant touchpoints, and controlled entry into Visa Application Centres for applicants with valid appointments.

Applicants are also reminded that arriving on time for confirmed appointments, carrying the required documents, and checking official document checklists in advance can help reduce delays caused by incomplete or inaccurate submissions.

Supporting growing demand for student and group travel

Alongside its anti-fraud and applicant-awareness efforts, VFS Global has seen growing interest in organised visa submission support for groups, particularly among students, education consultants, corporate teams, sports delegations, families, and large travel groups.

Group booking support helps applicants coordinate submissions in a more structured manner, especially when several travellers are applying around the same timelines. This can be particularly helpful during peak student mobility seasons, major sporting or cultural events, corporate travel programmes, and family travel periods.

The service is designed to improve coordination and convenience during the administrative submission stage. It does not influence visa outcomes, appointment availability, or processing timelines, which remain under the authority of the respective governments.

Testimonial From The Office Of The Paramount Chief Of Gbese (The Adonten Of The Ga State) For A Group Booking Service

“We write to express our profound gratitude to the management and staff of the VFS Global, Accra, Ghana, for your stupendous professionalism towards our visa application process for the firstever Gbese Mantse Homowo Festival and Business Summit in the Netherlands from 26-28, September 2025. The collection of our application process from HRM’s office baffled the minds of the Chiefs and Queens who expressed their joy, having experienced the visa application process in their comfort zone for the first time. One of the chiefs who has worked in a senior management position for over 30 years in one of the mining companies in Ghana stated; “for many years of travels around the world, this is the first time my visa application has been collected at a location other than the Embassy or the VFS Centre. I am really impressed.” Your methodical guidance, humility, respect for the elderly and appreciation of our cultural norms ensured our overwhelming success in the issuance of our visas. This historic event would not have been possible without you. We thank you.” His Royal Majesty Nil (Dr.) Ayl-Bonte I, Paramount ChiEf of Gbese and Adonten of the Ga State

Optional services remain applicant-led and transparent 

VFS Global also offers certain optional services, where approved by client governments, to support applicants who may require additional convenience during the submission process. These may include assisted form-filling, courier return of passports, SMS notifications, Premium Lounge access, or mobile submission support such as Visa At Your Doorstep, depending on the country of application and service availability.

These services are entirely optional, transparently priced, and have no bearing on the outcome or processing time of a visa application. Applicants may complete the standard visa application process without purchasing any optional service.

VFS Global maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards coercion, misrepresentation, fraud, or unethical conduct. Any allegation of misconduct is reviewed under the company’s governance and compliance processes.

VFS Global has been operating in Ghana since 2005 and currently services 19 client governments through a network of 23 Application Centres which are operated by a strong workforce of around 100 Ghanian nationals.

This reaffirms the airline’s long-term commitment to Ghana and supports the country’s growing demand for travel and global connectivity.

The new service will complement Emirates’ existing daily operation and the sustained growth in air travel demand to and from Accra, which continues to experience high year-round seat occupancy.

From 12 July, Emirates’ direct service, operating as EK789, will depart Dubai at 03:30hrs, arriving in Accra at 07:40 (GMT); the return flight, EK790, will depart Accra at 10:25 (GMT), arriving in Dubai at 22:40hrs.

These flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER and will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The new service is optimally timed to connect travellers from Accra to key commercial and tourist hubs, including Beijing, Seoul, Sydney, Perth, Mumbai, Singapore, New York JFK and Jeddah.

The newly added service will also offer travellers a more convenient option to connect to Accra via Dubai, mainly from points such as Delhi, Boston, Los Angeles and gateways across Germany and the UK.

Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates retail offices as well as online and offline travel agents.

Salem Almana, Emirates’ Country Manager, Ghana, said, “For more than two decades, Emirates has proudly connected Ghana to the world.

The introduction of this additional service demonstrates our continued confidence in the Ghanaian market and our commitment to supporting the country’s growing travel needs.

“Beyond providing greater convenience for our customers, this expansion will strengthen business, tourism and trade links between Ghana and key markets across our global network, while contributing to the continued growth of Ghana’s aviation sector.

Through Dubai, travellers will enjoy seamless access to close to 140 destinations worldwide, while visitors from around the world will have even greater opportunities to experience Ghana.”

With the introduction of flights EK789/EK790 from 12 July, Emirates will serve Ghana with 11 weekly flights operated by its widebody Boeing 777-300ER, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.