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.

He also noted that the Association is working closely with system providers to resolve these challenges and restore smooth operations for its members.