The persistent malfunctioning of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), despite repeated assurances of improvement from its managers, has sparked mounting frustration among importers, agents and freight forwarders.
Importers say they are incurring heavy demurrage charges due to delays caused by the unstable ICUMS platform, which continues to experience fluctuations in its operations.
Clearing agents and freight forwarders have also come under pressure from disgruntled clients, many of whom are demanding faster clearance of goods.
The hitches have drawn strong reactions from the Advocate for Indigenous Freight Forwarders, whose Convenor, Godfred Mawuli Tettey, told The Chronicle that the group might lead a demonstration to press home their demands.
The group, by this, wants the government to step in immediately to salvage the situation, stressing that if ICUMS cannot deliver as promised, alternatives should be explored or competition introduced to enhance efficiency.
“The delays are crippling our business. Importers are paying needless demurrage and agents are being harassed by clients who are losing money daily. We cannot sit idle while this continues,” Mr Tettey explained.
The ICUMS system, introduced as a single-window platform to streamline customs processes and improve revenue collection has faced repeated criticism since its rollout, with freight forwarders citing operational inefficiencies and poor user experience.
