Ghana’s push to modernise its ports and streamline customs processes is beginning to pay off, with customs revenue climbing past US$3.17 billion as faster cargo clearance, extended operating hours and digital reforms lift trade volumes and competitiveness at the country’s maritime gateways.
The growth reflects rising trade volumes, better compliance, and the positive impact of policies designed to increase revenue while making it easier and faster for importers and exporters to do business.
According to the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), customs revenue stood at US$3,179,125,238.11 as of September 2025, compared with US$3,108,226,482.40 recorded in 2024. The growth reflects higher trade volumes and the impact of ongoing operational reforms at Ghana’s ports, which are focused on improving efficiency, strengthening transparency, and enhancing revenue collection.
“Ghana’s ports remain the backbone of our international trade and a major engine of national revenue,” said Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, in the association’s year-end review and developments report. His comments reflect strong confidence among stakeholders in ongoing reforms that are easing business processes for importers and exporters alike.
A cornerstone of this performance has been the introduction of 24-hour terminal operations at key maritime gateways, particularly the Port of Tema. Implemented as part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative launched earlier in the year, continuous port operations have enhanced cargo handling capacity and reduced processing backlogs, enabling faster clearances and making Ghana’s ports more competitive in the West African sub-region.
These around-the-clock services have delivered tangible trade facilitation benefits, especially for time-sensitive goods, strengthening the appeal of Ghana’s ports to international shipping lines and regional traders. In support of this policy, financial institutions such as the Agricultural Development Bank have introduced 24-hour payment services that align with extended port operations, helping importers and freight forwarders manage logistical demands more efficiently.
On the digital front, upgrades to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), a key platform for customs processing, have also played a critical role in improving clearance times and revenue assurance. These enhancements are designed to expand the system’s capacity, reduce downtimes, and deliver a more reliable and transparent interface for traders and regulatory agencies.
The ongoing reforms are helping to streamline operations and improve efficiency at Ghana’s ports, strengthening the country’s position as a key gateway for trade within Africa and beyond. To maintain this momentum, continued investment in infrastructure, security, and digital systems will be crucial to supporting growth and enhancing Ghana’s role in regional trade.
