Accra: The United Kingdom and Ghana have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen the partnership between the UK's His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This agreement aims to enhance customs administration, support legitimate trade, and contribute to economic growth through improved compliance.
According to Ghana Web, the MoU establishes a framework for customs capacity building and technical assistance, initially targeting the strengthening of the GRA's Post Clearance Audit function. The collaboration will be delivered through HMRC's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, involving technical exchanges, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge sharing based on UK experience and international best practices in risk-based customs compliance.
During the signing ceremony, the UK's Development Director, Terri Sarch, emphasized that the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership is designed to unlock sustainable economic growth by creating efficient trade processes and robust customs systems. The partnership aims to facilitate the seamless movement of goods across borders, supporting jobs, investment, and shared prosperity.
Carol Bristow, Director for Borders and Trade at HMRC, highlighted the critical role modern customs administrations play in economic development and legitimate trade facilitation. She noted that the partnership would bolster Ghana's customs reform priorities and strengthen border management through expertise exchange between HMRC and GRA. This initiative builds on over a decade of collaboration between the two entities, opening new opportunities for knowledge sharing and capability development.
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, remarked on the importance of effective customs administration in promoting trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth. He affirmed that the partnership would advance Ghana's customs modernization agenda through technical exchange and knowledge sharing. The initial focus on Post Clearance Audit is a priority for the GRA, aimed at enhancing efficiency and risk management.
Both the UK and Ghana indicated that future cooperation might extend to other key areas of customs modernization. This agreement is part of the broader UK-Ghana Growth Partnership, which seeks to strengthen economic cooperation and improve trade and investment conditions between the two nations.