The Importers and Exporters Association has called for reforms to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), rather than its complete removal, emphasizing the system’s importance in boosting customs revenue and improving trade efficiency.
While concerns have been raised over the implementation of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, the Association insists that the system itself plays a critical role in revenue collection and trade facilitation.
In 2024, ICUMS helped significantly increase customs revenue, raising collections to GHS 44.3 billion from GHS 30.6 billion in 2023.
During a press conference, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the Association, called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to refine and improve the system. He emphasized that the challenges related to the UCR stem from policy issues, not the structure of ICUMS itself.
“It is essential to understand that concerns regarding the UCR are policy-related, not a flaw of ICUMS. Solving these issues requires a broader policy conversation at the government level,” he explained.
Awingobit also encouraged Ghanaians to view ICUMS as an evolving system.
“The path toward a fully integrated and efficient customs system is a long-term process. ICUMS has already brought us closer to that goal, and abandoning it at this stage would be a setback. Great systems evolve, and ICUMS is no different,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to focus on improving the system instead of discarding it, highlighting the potential of ICUMS to enhance national progress.
“We ask all Ghanaians to see ICUMS as a work in progress, adapting to the demands of global trade. Instead of discarding a system with so much potential, let’s support Ghana Link in addressing its challenges and enhancing its effectiveness for the benefit of the country,” he added.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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