The Role Of Information Technology In Customs Clearance: A Study Of The Customs Division Of The Ghana Revenue Authority

ABSTRACT The study assesses the impact of information technology in ensuring efficiency in operations of the Customs Division. It is descriptive in nature and employs the quantitative research approach through the use of questionnaires. A sample size of fifty (50) and participants were chosen by random sampling methods. The study found that most of the activities rely on the use of IT and that these activities have been automated to make operations very effective and efficient. The study further found that ICT adoption has made the overall clearing process more efficient and increased revenue collection for the state. Further, the findings show that ICT is employed for almost all clearing activities at the ports. It was also revealed that it has led to the improvement in customs operations and has made document processing easier. The study revealed that IT adoption has positively affected clearing activities. The study thus found that with the introduction of IT to clearing activities, document processing has improved significantly in terms of time taken to clear goods. In spite of the positive effects of IT on the clearing processes of the Customs Service, there are challenges that every technology presents to users. The challenges include; difficulties in removing all forms of human interferences, intentionally delaying the processes, lack of proper infrastructure, lack of staff training, reluctance of regulatory agencies to adopt IT, and the unwillingness of some officials and agencies to adopt new ways of doing things. It is recommended that regular training and capacity building should be enforced for personnel; collaborations with other regulatory agencies and the properly resourcing the organization in terms of ICT infrastructure.