The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has observed with serious concerns, media reports of a request made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for access to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) platform.

Per our checks with the Ghana Revenue Authority, the said request was indeed made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to have some form of executive access to the operations of ICUMS.

It's worrying to note that the OSP which is mandated by law to investigate corrupt cases will suddenly develop an interest in accessing the system of a service provider whose duties have been lauded by all since its inception.

Per our understanding of the OSP mandate, such requests are made when it suspects any wrongdoing on the part of ICUMS and the onus lies on the office to seek a court clearance to have some specific form of access to the platform.

It's Imperative to note that the ICUMS platform is a very sensitive one which contains valuable and sensitive data of Importers and exporters as well as business operators, hence any breaches caused to this platform in the name of data access by the OSP could prove futile to the business community.

In view of this we seek some form of clarification from the OSP to make known their intention of what influenced their sudden request. As well, the OSP must come clear on the data it seeks to access from the ICUMS platform.

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has been a propagator of best business practices and will support any move by the OSP to ensure the Port sector is free from corrupt practices. However, we also demand for clarity in the discharge of its duties to attract the needed support from industry players.

Signed.

……………
Samson Asaki Awingobit
Executive Secretary


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