Clearing agents hold AGM

The event, which attracted members from GPA, GRA, GCCI and Ministry of Trade, seeks to create a platform for members to discuss achievements, challenges and the election of new executives to lead the association in the coming year.

Speaking at the AGM, Essa Wally, acting President of ACCFA, recalled that 2020 was a year of far-reaching changes and difficulties. 

“Yet necessary decisions were taken aimed at the transformation of the Association which has culminated to many agreements with the GRA and with other stakeholders. We embark on a man power spot checking after a series of complaints received from some importers on the constant problems they are having with some so call Customs Clearing Agents.” He said “to prove to them that those are not recognised, neither are they registered Customs Clearing Agents, we embarked on the survey.” he explained.

He said since the Association is not a profit-making organisation, the executive came up with the idea of printing calendars, which he said, will be sold to the general membership as a fund raising activity to boost the financial base of the organisation.

Wally further added that they are an organisation employing almost 500 people, who are widely diverse in terms of origins, culture and background. 

“It is a priority to advance on all the fronts of the Association’s culture to focus it on the values that are the fundamental to our success.”

The Secretary General of the Association, Modou Sowe, thanked GPA, Customs sea port Manager and The Seaport Police for their collaboration in making the manpower spot checking a success.

The association, he added, has reached another level and it is well recognised all over the world, saying they are even part of ECOWAS.

“We are a committee member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). We’ve participated in the recently finished TRS (Time Release Study) organized by GRA and we are also a member of the ASYCUDA WORLD GRA steering committee,” SG stated.