The Importers and Exporters Association has called for reforms to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) instead of its complete abolition, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing customs revenue and trade efficiency.
While there have been concerns about the implementation of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, the Association maintains that the system is vital for revenue generation.
In 2024, ICUMS contributed to a significant rise in customs revenue, increasing from GHS 30.6 billion in 2023 to GHS 44.3 billion.
At a press conference, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, urged stakeholders to work together to improve the system, pointing out that the challenges related to the UCR are more policy-driven than issues with the 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.”
