Trade Minister Connects With Stakeholders at ICUMS
Addressing Operational Challenges of ICUMS
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has taken a proactive step by convening a high-level stakeholder meeting to tackle operational issues with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). The primary objective of this gathering is to streamline trade processes and enhance the efficiency of customs operations across the country.
During the stakeholder engagement event in Accra, which brought together representatives from various ministries, departments, agencies, the Customs Division, freight forwarders, and private sector actors, the Minister emphasized the dual impact of ICUMS. While acknowledging its significant contributions to efficiency, cost reduction, and combating illegal activities at ports and borders, she also pointed out that several operational challenges still need to be addressed.
Introduced in 2020, ICUMS was designed to unify customs procedures by integrating key functions such as valuation, classification, risk management, and payments into a single digital platform. This system has played a crucial role in enhancing transparency and boosting government revenue collection.
However, the system has faced criticism due to intermittent downtimes and implementation issues. Freight forwarders, importers, and exporters have expressed concerns that these inefficiencies are undermining the benefits of the system.
Ghana Link, the company responsible for the functionality of ICUMS, was tasked with demonstrating the system\’s capabilities, sharing steps taken to address existing challenges, and providing clarity on unresolved concerns. The Minister commended stakeholders for their cooperation and urged Ghana Link to meet the agreed November deadline for implementing necessary reforms.
She also pledged to work closely with the Minister of Finance to explore measures that would address concerns regarding penalties and unauthorized charges imposed on traders. This collaboration aims to create a more favorable environment for trade and reduce the burden on businesses.
Raymond Amaglo, the Director of Operations at ICUMS, assured stakeholders that the company is actively working on a comprehensive upgrade of the system. He revealed that by the end of October 2025, the improvements will significantly enhance the stability, capacity, and reliability of ICUMS, thereby reducing system downtimes that have frequently disrupted port operations.
“Our priority is to deliver a seamless trade facilitation process while ensuring effective revenue mobilisation for the government,” he added.
A representative from Ghana Link reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to ensuring that ICUMS operates as a world-class system that supports both the government’s development agenda and the competitiveness of the private sector.
As Ghana’s trade volumes continue to grow under regional agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the efficiency of customs management systems like ICUMS remains critical to strengthening the country’s position as a competitive hub for trade and investment.
The forum also served as an important platform for open dialogue between stakeholders and the service provider, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
