WCO-USCBP joint mission to Ghana
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from left to right: D. Perrier (WCO), E. Ofori (CEPS), Commissioner Lanyon (CEPS), Commissioner Doku (CEPS), L. Kennedy (USCBP), T. Parker (USCBP), Asst. Commissioner, N. Birago (CEPS)
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August 2009
Under the auspices of their respective capacity building programmes, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the US Customs Border Patrol (USCBP), conducted a joint mission to Ghana in August 2009.
The main objective of this mission was to assess progress thus far and confirm future priorities of the Ghana Customs, Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) in the area of reform and modernization. Meetings were held with outgoing Commissioner Doku and recently-appointed Commissioner Lanyon, as well as with members of the Senior management team, to discuss current Government and Customs priorities and challenges. Other working sessions were held with internal affairs, legal services, and representatives from various reform initiatives.
In recent years, the CEPS has shown great commitment to effect change that will take it closer to fully implementing international standards in Customs administration. With the assistance of the WCO, the USCBP and other important donors, this West African Customs administration has improved its systems and procedures, and consequently has improved its efficiency.
This mission was also an opportunity to conduct a USCBP-funded two-day workshop with various Senior managers focusing on change management, reform planning and stakeholder consultations. Participants expressed satisfaction with the themes covered, as they prepare to organize and conduct stakeholder consultations. The WCO was able to make a facilitator available with support from the Eurocustoms fund.
The USCBP and the WCO reiterated their commitment to providing continued support to CEPS. The management team expressed great satisfaction with the support received thus far and hopes to continue to work with its key partners towards greater efficiency and modern Customs practices.