The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has raised concerns over growing inefficiencies in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), citing system slowdowns and frequent downtimes as more institutions are added to the platform.
According to the Association’s Executive Secretary, Mr Sampson Asaki Awingobit, ICUMS performed smoothly when it was introduced in 2018 with around 68 institutions, helping to streamline cargo clearance and reduce delays at the ports.
Today, however, the system serves more than 200 institutions, a scale-up that has coincided with recurring disruptions.
“These breakdowns are creating unnecessary pressure on importers and exporters,” Mr Awingobit cautioned, warning that persistent inefficiencies would be unacceptable in an election year when traders are already under heightened pressure.
The Association argues that the expanded participation in ICUMS is directly slowing clearance processes, with financial losses and supply chain risks looming for businesses.
It has therefore urged Customs and IT service providers to act quickly to strengthen the platform and ensure its reliability.
Mr Awingobit further encouraged trade facilitators to optimise system use during nighttime operations in order to ease congestion and prevent additional costs.
Meanwhile, Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, operators of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has extended its deep appreciation to all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment, patience, and support as it continues to strengthen Ghana’s trade facilitation infrastructure. Its statement reads:
“Over the past weeks, we have noted and fully acknowledged concerns regarding intermittent downtimes on the ICUMS platform.
“As a company dedicated to excellence, we assure all stakeholders that these issues have received the highest priority and are being addressed decisively.
“Working hand-in-hand with key stakeholders, our technical teams have identified the root causes of the challenges. In response, a major upgrade of the ICUMS infrastructure is currently underway.
“This upgrade is specifically designed to expand the system’s capacity and resilience to handle the exponential surge in data traffic that comes with Ghana’s growing trade volumes.
“Furthermore, Ghana Link is collaborating closely with Internet Service Providers to guarantee a more reliable and stable internet backbone for the ICUMS platform. This joint effort will ensure that all users experience smoother, faster, and uninterrupted service.
“All things being equal, we anticipate that the comprehensive improvements being executed around the clock will be completed by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2025.
“Once finalised, they will significantly enhance performance and eliminate the recurring issues experienced by stakeholders.
“We humbly appeal to our cherished stakeholders, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and all partners in Ghana’s trade ecosystem to continue to bear with us during this crucial period.
“Your confidence in ICUMS has been the bedrock of its success, and with these upgrades, we are confident that the system will deliver a solid, stable and fast user experience with reliability, efficiency, and transparency.
“Ghana Link remains fully committed to providing a world-class trade facilitation system that empowers businesses, strengthens government revenue, and supports the growth of Ghana’s economy”.
