The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has pushed back against recent criticisms of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), insisting that the platform has improved trade efficiency and strengthened customs administration since its rollout.
This follows claims by two civil society organisations—the New Voter Forum (NVF) and Democratic Credentials Network Ghana (DCN-Ghana)—which had questioned the effectiveness of ICUMS and described it as underperforming. IEAG dismissed these assertions, saying they were misleading and not backed by verifiable data.
In its response, the association said it has observed significant improvements in port operations since ICUMS was introduced in June 2020 by the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Revenue Authority. It stressed that the system was designed to streamline previously fragmented customs processes, reduce revenue leakages, and enhance transparency in trade facilitation.
According to IEAG, ICUMS has contributed to faster cargo clearance, improved risk management, and stronger revenue assurance mechanisms across the import and export chain. The group also noted that traders, freight forwarders, and customs brokers continue to rely on the system in their daily operations, contrary to claims of widespread dysfunction.
The association maintained that ICUMS has played a central role in modernising customs administration in Ghana, improving accountability and coordination among stakeholders within the country’s port and trade ecosystem.
IEAG urged stakeholders to rely on evidence-based assessments when evaluating national trade systems, adding that ongoing reforms should be seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen efficiency at Ghana’s ports.
