By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Feb. 14, GNA – The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for an enhancement in stakeholder engagement on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) being operated by Ghana Link Services Limited.
The system being run in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was introduced to replace the previous Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) and the Westblue system, aimed at modernising Ghana’s customs processes, aligning them with global standards, and enhancing trade facilitation.
Mr Samson Awingobit Asaki, the Executive Secretary of IEAG, who made the call at a press conference, noted that they recommend that the operators of ICUMS collaborated with industry stakeholders, including importers, exporters, and freight forwarders, on its operations.
Mr Asaki stressed that regular consultations and feedback mechanisms would ensure that the system evolved to meet the needs of all users and sustain the system.
The IEAG called on the government, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure that ICUMS continued to evolve in line with international best practices.
They also urged the company to invest in capacity building, explaining that continuous training for customs officers and other stakeholders was essential to maximise the benefits of ICUMS.
“We recommend the adoption of the WCO Data Model and other best practices to improve knowledge and skills in handling UCR, and detecting fraudulent activities,” they added.
According to the IEAG, to minimise human interference and enhance efficiency, they encourage the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to automate key processes within ICUMS.
“The journey towards a fully integrated and efficient customs management system is a marathon, not a sprint. ICUMS has already brought us closer to the finish line, and we must not abandon it midway. Let us remember that every great system evolves over time, and ICUMS is no exception.”
The importers and exporters described the port clearing system as one that has revolutionised customs operations in Ghana since its inception.
According to the IEAG, the introduction of ICUMS has streamlined customs processes by simplifying and automating customs procedures, reducing the time and cost of clearing goods at our ports.
They added that the system has reduced the need for manual documentation, minimised human errors, and enhanced the overall efficiency of customs operations, as well as enhanced revenue mobilisation, improved trade facilitation in line with international standards, created jobs and built capacity, and reduced corruption in the clearance process.
GNA