Mangers of the new Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) or UNI-PASS at Ghana’s ports have reacted to raging concerns about the challenges being encountered by Freight Forwarders at the Tema Port.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Public Relations Manager of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the managers of the new ICUMS, Norvan Acquah-Hayford, said most of the challenges Freight Forwarders and shipping lines are encountering are the result of the transition process from the old system that was being managed by GCNet and West Blue, to the new system.

“I think the challenge has been shipping lines’ inability to access the documents and authenticate the various payments that these clearing agents claim they have made,” he told GhanaWeb.

He has urged stakeholders to remain calm as steps are taken to resolve the issues.

He also revealed that Ghana Community Network Services Ltd (GCNet), managers of the old system, have not handed over key data to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to facilitate the transition process.

“It will interest you to know that GCNet has not handed over the data they were supposed to hand over to GRA to enable us [Ghana Link/ICUMS] to continue with that data,” he said.

The old system was shut on May 31, 2020, as the new ICUMS took over on June 1, 2020, amid controversy over the change of ownership.

Subsequently, the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) started complaining that the transitional arrangement put in place by the ICUMS system was costing the importer more than before.

However, Mr. Acquah-Hayford explained to GhanaWeb that managers of the new system cannot be blamed for high rent charges accruing due to the delays.

Mr Acquah-Hayford gave the assurance that in line with Ghana Link’s firm commitment to dealing with the challenges, a flow chart and accompanying processes have been released to guide Freight Forwarders and shipping lines on the way forward.

Watch the full interview below.