The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commenced a pilot of vehicle auctioning online.
The Authority’s platform for the pilot auctioning of selected vehicles is auction.icums.gov.gh.
The E-Auction module on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is expected to deal with corrupt practices and procedures associated with auctioning of goods at the ports.
Recent events at the ports indicated that certain vehicles were inappropriately auctioned with owners of these vehicles complaining about poor handling of the processes involved.
A total of 69 bids have been made on seven vehicles advertised on the platform.
Requirement (GRA Online Platform For Vehicle Auctioning)
The requirement on the website is for all users to begin with the creation of an account with the use of their National Identification Numbers.
Features/Options (GRA Online Platform For Vehicle Auctioning)
Another feature on the platform is to be able to receive login details through SMS or E-mail.
Process (GRA Online Platform For Vehicle Auctioning)
Users and potential buyers are able to view multiple pictures and place bids on the advertised vehicles after logging in.
Speaking at a ceremony to launch the GRA Service Charter recently, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Rev Amisshadai Owusu Amoah explained the seamless process of going online to make bids unlike achieving this in-person in the past.
He also added that this will prevent colossal amounts of revenue going down the drain as it was with the previous system.
We’re working to improve our services through various online and technology platforms such that customers will feel comfortable dealing with us, the Commissioner-General said.
We have the E-VAT, E-invoicing and other innovative means by which customers are able to pay taxes and avoid some alleged corruption in our various offices. Another initiative is that by the end of October, we want to begin an E-Auction at the ports so that if you want to buy a car, just be home and click to search (https://auction.icums.gov.gh) for the kind of car you want without coming to the port.
Payments are expected to be made by customers right after their bids are electronically approved.
This is obviously a commendable initiative by the Authority in this era of digital dispensation.
