The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has strongly advocated for reforms in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) rather than its complete removal. The association acknowledges ICUMS as a vital tool in improving trade facilitation and customs revenue collection. While concerns have been raised regarding the implementation of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, the association clarifies that these challenges stem from government policy rather than any flaws in the system itself. In 2024, ICUMS significantly boosted customs revenue, increasing collections from GHS 30.6 billion in 2023 to GHS 44.3 billion, proving its effectiveness. The association believes that instead of discarding the system, authorities should focus on refining its operations to maximize its potential.
At a recent press conference, the association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, called for a collective effort among stakeholders to enhance ICUMS rather than abolish it. He emphasized that the system remains crucial to Ghana’s customs operations and that any challenges related to UCR implementation should be addressed at the policy level by the government. Awingobit noted that ICUMS has brought Ghana closer to achieving a fully integrated customs management system. He described the system as an ongoing development that requires consistent improvements to optimize its efficiency. According to him, scrapping ICUMS at this stage would undo the progress made in trade facilitation and customs modernization, setting the country back rather than moving it forward.
The association further urged stakeholders to focus on enhancing the system to meet the ever-changing demands of global trade. Instead of abandoning ICUMS, it encouraged authorities to support Ghana Link, the company responsible for managing the system, in addressing existing challenges. Awingobit reassured the public that ICUMS is designed to evolve and adapt, making it a crucial part of Ghana’s customs and trade ecosystem. He emphasized that rather than viewing ICUMS as a failed initiative, stakeholders should see it as a work in progress that can be improved through targeted reforms. The association’s position aligns with broader economic interests, ensuring that Ghana’s customs processes remain efficient while fostering trade growth and competitiveness.
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