The Importers and Exporters Association is calling for strategic reforms to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) rather than its total abolition, citing its critical role in enhancing customs revenue and facilitating trade efficiency. Although concerns have been raised about the integration of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within the system, the Association maintains that ICUMS is indispensable for revenue collection.
In 2024, ICUMS played a key role in increasing customs revenue to GH₵44.3 billion from GH₵30.6 billion in 2023.
At a recent press conference, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, urged stakeholders to join forces in refining the system. He highlighted that the challenges associated with the UCR stem from policy issues rather than any shortcomings of 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 also encouraged Ghanaians to view ICUMS as an evolving system, saying that “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.”
