The 2016 World Bank Report on trade logistics in the global economy has showed that Ghana has made substantial improvement in its Global Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking in 2016.

The report,“Connecting to Compete 2016 - Trade Logistics in the Global Economy,” indicated that the country moved 12 places up from 100th in 2014 to 88th in 2016 out of 160 countries.

This is the largest year on year increase in Ghana’s global LPI ranking since the survey was first undertaken in 2007. Particular improvements were noted in the overall timeliness of Ghana’s shipments reaching their destination within the scheduled time and the efficiency of Customs and Border Control Agencies also showed major improvements.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Blue Consulting and implementer of the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) programme, Ms Valentina Mintah, said “We are delighted with these results as they prove yet again the impact that the Single Window Programme is having on the performance of the Ghanaian economy.”

Customs efficiency

“The efficiency of customs and border management clearance showed a marked improvement of 37 points, with previous downward trends of -27 and -17 in 2014 and 2012 respectively.

“The frequency with which shipments reach consignees within scheduled or expected delivery times (“Timeliness”)” component also chalked up an improvement of 31 points compared to 12 and 17 in the years 2014 and 2012,” she stated

She added that many of the improvements noted in the Report were directly related to the specific measures delivered under the GNSW Programme, such as improvements in timeliness and the operations of Customs and related Agencies.

“We expect these improvements to continue over the coming years as we roll out many additional deliverables under the GNSW Programme. We certainly cannot become complacent with these good results, as this is a very competitive environment,” she said, and added that Ghana had made great stride and we must continue steadfastly on this path to secure a dynamic and competitive trading environment in the country.

Technical Committee

Ms Mintah expressed gratitude to GRA Customs, the GNSW Technical Committee, Partner Government Agencies, the business community and staff of West Blue who have been key players in achieving this feat.

“I would like to express thanks for all the hard work being done in this regard by our colleagues in GRA Customs, the GNSW Technical Committee, the Partner Government Agencies, the business community and staff of West Blue, all of whom have been key players in this success so far. Most critically, I would like to laud the Government of Ghana, President John Mahama and the GNSW Steering Committee for this programme,” she said.

Source: graphic.com