• Objective: facilitate legitimate trade in Tema & Takoradi Ports, Ghana
• Approach: introduce a combination of Risk Management and Scanning Services
• Results: facilitation of legitimate trade 

Background
On 1st April 2000, the Government of the Republic of Ghana introduced a Destination Inspection Scheme (DI). This move away from Pre-shipment Inspection aimed to reduce the volume of physical inspections and facilitate trade with the objective of establishing Ghana as a “Gateway” into the region.

Approach
Through its Ghanaian registered affiliate, Gateway Services Limited, Cotecna has developed and implemented a highly innovative Destination Inspection Service aimed at facilitating legitimate trade by introducing combined Risk Management (CRMS®) and Scanning Services at the port of Tema.

The Tema port is an important transit port for land–locked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and represents an important trade destination and a vital part of the Ghanaian economy. The Port has seen a dramatic increase in the volume of container traffic since 2001. In light of the growing volumes of cargo handled at the Port, local authorities required latest technologies to achieve speedy clearance and eliminate delays, whilst ensuring maximum efficiency.

Cotecna’s approach to implementing Destination Inspection Services is as follows:

• Employ a selective approach to inspections based on degree of "risk"  
• Use advanced technology and services to assess risk (CRMS, Scanning technology) 
• Limit the need for physical inspection by focusing on "high risk" imports 
• Ensure a more efficient allocation of Customs resources by designating the appropriate level of intervention required for each import transaction
• Enable speedier clearance for "low risk" importers 
• Contribute to port decongestion 
• Reduce business costs for all parties 
• Protect vital Customs revenues

Conclusion
The results of Destination Inspection implemented in Ghana were the following:

• Facilitation of legitimate trade by reducing the need for physical inspections through greater reliance on advanced technology and modern Customs processes supported by the implementation of x-ray scanning and computerized risk management
• Decongestion of the port through the use of scanning and risk management to greatly decrease processing times
• Enhancing the capacity of Customs by providing a greater focus on training and transfer of technical knowledge

Costs
Cotecna will invest more than Euros 10 million under this 10 year Agreement. This unique programme is focused heavily on capacity building and Customs modernization to provide a solid foundation for an integrated trade management regime.