The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched the 2026 Customs House Agent Proficiency Training Programme to strengthen the capacity of clearing agents and improve trade facilitation.
The programme brings together Customs House Agents and other stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector to deepen their understanding of customs procedures, trade regulations and modern border management practices.
Mr Aaron Kanor, Commissioner of the Customs Division, said the initiative formed part of efforts to promote professionalism and improve efficiency within Ghana’s international trade environment.
He described Customs House Agents as a critical link between traders and the Customs Division, saying their competence, knowledge and integrity were essential to smooth customs operations.
Mr Kanor said technological advancements, changing regulations and emerging security concerns in global trade required customs agents to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Participants are being trained in customs procedures, tariff classification, valuation, rules of origin, customs laws, ethics, trade facilitation and modern border management.
He said the training would help reduce errors in customs declarations, improve compliance and facilitate the faster clearance of legitimate goods through Ghana’s ports and border stations.
“Customs cannot achieve its objectives alone. We need strong collaboration with freight forwarders, importers, exporters, shipping lines, port operators and other stakeholders within the supply chain,” he said.
Agents Urged To Support Revenue Mobilisation
Mr Kanor urged the participants to uphold high ethical standards and conduct their activities with honesty, accountability and professionalism.
He reminded them that the Customs Division’s GH¢67.5 billion revenue target was a shared responsibility, urging clearing agents to support the effort through accurate declarations and honest valuation of goods.
A Customs House Agent, also known as a customs broker or clearing agent, assists importers and exporters to clear goods through customs and serves as an intermediary between traders and the Customs Division.
The training comes amid increasing digitalisation, changes in customs legislation, evolving international trade standards and emerging security challenges, which have made continuous professional development increasingly important for industry practitioners.
Continuous Training Critical To Trade Efficiency
Mrs Comfort Boohene Osafo, former Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA, described the programme as timely, saying Customs House Agents needed to regularly update their knowledge and skills to remain effective.
She said technology, globalisation and emerging security challenges were transforming customs administration globally and increasing demand for skilled and knowledgeable practitioners.
Mrs Osafo said the training would deepen participants’ understanding of customs laws, procedures, international standards and best practices while enhancing their ability to provide efficient services to the trading community.
She encouraged participants to actively engage with facilitators and share experiences with colleagues throughout the programme.
“The lessons learned during this programme should not only advance your professional growth but also contribute to improving service delivery within the customs and trade sector,” she said.
Mrs Osafo commended the Customs Division, course coordinators and stakeholders for their commitment to capacity building.
She expressed confidence that participants would complete the programme better equipped to support trade facilitation, efficient customs administration and national development.
