The Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd (Ghana Link), Dr. Nick Danso Adjei, has welcomed the request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) through the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, (GRA) to be allowed executive access to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) platform.
According to the Ghana Link Boss, the company already has a gamut of public entities with access to the system including National Security, Ghana Immigration Service as well as all other relevant security agencies.
Ghana Link’s Chairman Dr. Danso Adjei, who is the driving force behind ICUMS’ implementation, expressed his openness to the OSP’s interest in the platform. He emphasized that the presence of the OSP would show the transparency on the part of all stakeholders, ensuring the smooth functioning of operations.
The ICUMS platform, known for its role in streamlining customs processes through a single-window system, has attracted attention from various stakeholders due the positive impact it has made both in trade facilitation and revenue mobilization.
Clarifying some misconceptions in the public space following the request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to be allowed access to the platform, Dr. Danso Adjei averred that “I know they are sorting some few things like what specific information they need out with the GRA but it is a welcoming news to know that the OSP has shown interest to be on the platform and I think it is good to have him there. Our doors are always opened to all government agencies who show interest to come on the platform or use it to enhance their work,”.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the Ghana Revenue Authority to meet with the OSP on the modalities with regards to what kind of access they need in the system.
‘’We understand that at the moment the GRA has assembled a 9-member team tasked with engaging the Special Prosecutor in discussions about accessing ICUMS. This team aims to foster communication, address concerns, and provide clarification to the OSP regarding the request.’’ Chairman Dr. Nick Danso Adjei further opined.
Meanwhile the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has raised concerns about the sensitivity of the ICUMS platform, which houses valuable and confidential data of importers, exporters, and business operators. The association cautioned that any mishandling of data by the OSP could have severe repercussions for the business community.
In a press release dated June 15, 2023, the association demanded clarification from the OSP regarding the motives behind their sudden request and the specific data they seek to access from ICUMS. While asserting their commitment to supporting efforts to eradicate corrupt practices in the port sector, the association stressed the need to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
However, Dr. Nick Danso Adjei and Ghana Link, who welcome the OSP’s access request to promote transparency, has called for calm as the GRA engages the OSP and stakeholders on the future direction of access to the ICUMS platform.
The ICUMS platform, with its potential has revolutionized customs processes and enhance efficiency in Ghana’s import and export sector.
