Ghana Link Network Services Ltd has successfully installed four weighbridges at the GPHA Terminal 1 in Tema Port and two more at the Atlantic Terminal Services in Takoradi. These weighbridges are designed to measure the Gross, Tare, and Net weights of cargo, with several of them featuring multi-deck capabilities.
Unlike standard weighbridges, the multi-deck models also provide axle weight data for trucks, a key interest for the Highway Authority. The integration of these weighbridges into the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) represents a significant advancement in modernizing Ghana’s port operations, improving both efficiency and revenue collection.
The installation of the new weighbridge system at Tema Port and Takoradi Port is set to benefit various stakeholders, including Ghana’s Customs Division and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), by providing accurate net weight measurements. The Ghana Highway Authority will also benefit from the system’s ability to measure axle weights, helping to safeguard the nation’s road infrastructure.
This advanced weighbridge system, now operational at both the Atlantic Terminal in Takoradi and the largest port in the country, Tema Port, ensures precise measurement of import and export cargo weights. This accuracy is essential for the correct calculation of duties and taxes on all shipments.
Norvan Acquah-Hayford, PR Manager for Ghana Link Network Services, recently discussed the new weighbridge initiative, emphasizing its importance for enhancing transparency and efficiency in Ghana’s import processes. “With this advanced module, our aim is to deliver precise weight measurements that will boost revenue collection and promote fair trade practices,” he said.
This new weighbridge system arrives at a pivotal moment for Ghana. In 2022, the country’s ports processed over 25 million metric tonnes of cargo, highlighting the significant impact that even minor enhancements in measurement accuracy can have.
The system’s benefits extend beyond revenue generation. It also addresses a persistent problem of road deterioration caused by overloaded trucks. By supplying accurate weight data to the Ghana Highway Authority, the system will aid in enforcing load limits and could potentially save substantial costs on road repairs.
The newly implemented weighbridge module is seamlessly integrated with the ICUMS, a system introduced by Ghana Link Network Services in 2020 to update the country’s port management. ICUMS has already been recognized for improving customs processes and enhancing revenue collection, despite initial challenges during its rollout.
Industry experts view the integration of the weighbridge module as a pivotal advancement in Ghana’s ongoing digitalization efforts. This enhancement not only aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to bolster intra-African trade, but also sets a benchmark for transparency and accuracy in cargo measurement that could influence practices across the continent.
Given Ghana’s role as a crucial transit hub for landlocked nations such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, the accurate weighing of transit cargo will streamline cross-border transportation and reduce conflicts over cargo weights at inland borders. This development underscores Ghana’s commitment to facilitating regional trade and reinforcing its position as a key player in the African trade network.
SOURCE: http://adomonline
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