International Journal of Engineering Research and Advanced Technology (IJERAT) E-ISSN : 2454-6135 DOI: 10.31695/IJERAT.2020.3626 Volume.6, Issue 7 July -2020 www.ijerat.com Page 57 Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Examining the Factors Affecting the Implementation of a Paperless Port System Denis Atehnjia 1 , Collins Nsoh 2 & Festus Obeng 3 1-3 Regional Maritime University Marine Engineering Department, Accra Ghana ______________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The introduction of a paperless port system (PPS) was to inject potency in the clearance system as the former paper system had too many human interactions and delays in handling hard documents. To avoid these visible irregularities in line with the ever- changing port working environment and the effects of massive corruption in the ports, the factors that affect the implementation of PPS must be carefully studied. The main objectives of this study are to examine the implementation process of PPS in Ghana and present appropriate recommendations for decision making. The analysis reveals that the main factors that influence the implementation of PPS are; network connection, complicated procedures, and lack of stakeholder training, and the least factor that affects the implementation of PPS is the availability of resources. The results of this analysis could be of great benefit for other member states in West and Central Africa, in developing prudent policies as initiated by the government to boost the overall port efficacy for prompt socio-economic development. Key Words: Paperless port, Digitalization, Information Technology. _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. INTRODUCTION Since the last century, international trade continues to expand and remains the world's main cornerstone - as reported by the United Nations conference on trade and development [1]. In international trade, goods and services cross borders and this involves the passing of information between relevant parties - private companies and public bodies, manufacturers, providers of transportation, customs, enforcement agencies, retailers and buyers – as a key factor for efficient operation. Paperless trade refers to the digitization of information flow through electronic distribution of trade data [1]. Digitization helps in transforming paper based reporting system in ports into an electronic format thereby speeding up trade and reducing cost especially in West Africa with landlocked states [2]. For the sharing and reuse of fully electronic communications by shareholders in maritime operation in ports in West Africa, all information needs to be clearly described [3]. To achieve this, trading partners must be willing to share and interpret individual data item proactively [4]. Over the past decade, countries all over the world have adopted the paperless port system (PPS) in line with continuous debate on reforms made by ports to check and facilitate operations and e-trade [5]. In Ghana, the government has encouraged the implementation of PPS by mandating the appropriate authorities – Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Community Network System (GCNet) - to promote the interest of all stakeholders [5]. The GPHA is the national port authority playing a vital role on the economy of some landlocked countries in West Africa by overseeing all freight and maritime related activities in Ghana. However, there have been high corruptions registered in the past due to lack of PPS in place for smooth and transparent financial transactions. Also, the Takoradi and Tema ports have recorded in the past, a corruption index of 3.50 each, attesting to the high level of corrupt activities ongoing at the port, thereby driving the government’s response for immediate implementation of PPS [1, 6]. These corrupt activities in ports have led to underdevelopment, restrictions of business competition and lack of foreign investment [5]. Again, PPS reduces the bureaucratic processes, thereby hindering the flow of information as required in this modern age of technological innovation [7]. The adoption of electronic or paperless processes has reaped great benefits in other sectors both in the private and government milieu such as businesses, meetings, voting, and health facilities [7]. In 2017, GPHA launched the automated paperless program to assist importers in clearing goods in less than 48 hours [8]. Such innovation has been applauded as the main instrument in driving the maritime financial sector, allowing both the banking operators and maritime stakeholders to re-adjust appropriately for better integration [8]. To further curb the occurrences of corrupt practices in GPHA, the Tema port integrity campaign was