A simulation exercise has been carried out successfully for the new Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) at Tema Port.
The exercise was carried out following a collaborative effort between Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
The exercise was geared towards testing ICUMS and its ability to assist the free flow of imports and exports.
A host of stakeholders took part in the simulation, including Meridian Port Services Ltd, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines and the national security services.
Others involved were the Narcotics Control Board, Food and Drugs Authority, Bank of Ghana, Ghana Standards Authority and Free Zones Authority.
Bigger revenues on the horizon
The customs management syste, finally seems ready for use at both Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport.
The Acting Commissioner General of the GRA, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, said the implementation of the new system was going according to plan.
Speaking after the exercise, he said a rollout date will soon be announced, and that all loopholes will be blocked when ICUMS is launched.
“I must say, with what I have seen today, everything is going as planned. The simulation has been successful and it gives us the confidence with regard to the rollout date,” Owusu-Amoah said.
“When the ICUMS is fully deployed at Tema Port, the country will see an increase in revenue over time with many of the current loopholes blocked.”
Quick turnaround
Meanwhile, training and registration for users of the ICUMS system is ongoing.
Freight forwarders, shipping lines, government agencies and GRA customs officials are among those being taken through the training.
ICUMS is expected to bring about a reduction in the turnaround time through the clearance management system.
Among those who graced the simulation exercise were the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, the Minister of Trade, Alan Kyeremateng, and Deputy Trade Minister Carlos Ahenkorah.
E A Alanore
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