The Importers and Exporters Association is advocating for reforms to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) rather than its outright abolition, emphasizing its role in boosting customs revenue and trade efficiency. Despite concerns over implementing the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, the Association insists that the system remains essential for revenue collection.
In 2024, ICUMS contributed to an increase in customs revenue, rising to GHS44.3 billion from GHS 30.6 billion in 2023. Speaking at a press conference, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, urged stakeholders to collaborate in refining the system. He emphasized that the challenges associated with the UCR stem from policy-related issues rather than flaws within ICUMS itself.
“It is crucial to emphasise that the concerns surrounding the UCR implementation are not specific to ICUMS but are instead matters of government policy. As such, addressing these challenges requires a broader policy dialogue at the governmental level,”he said. He urged Ghanaians to view ICUMS as a work in progress.
“The journey toward 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.”
“We appeal to the hearts and minds of all Ghanaians to see ICUMS as a work in progress—a system that is evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic global trade environment. Let us encourage Ghana Link to fix the problems rather than succumb to the growing menace of discarding systems that have shown immense potential for our nation’s progress.”
By: Emmanuel Oppong
