GCNet has restored its systems following the challenges witnessed at the ports with the newly introduced Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) - UNIPASS.

According to JoyNews' Tema Correspondent Kwame Yankah, there is currently a long queue at the port.

Speaking to JoyBusiness, A clearing agent at the Tema port Collins Appiah said, “Now the system is working, I only have to advise my colleagues that because the backload is plenty, it will take a little bit of time for your declaration to come to enable you to make payment at the bank. For now, I have gone through the process…now we are smiling”

Mr Appiah added, “There is a queue here because of the pressure. Since Monday nobody has been able to clear goods at the port. The system came less than thirty minutes ago and everybody is rushing."

UNIPASS was introduced by the government to replace the single window platform– Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) – from GCNet and West Blue Consult at the ports.

GRA started using the system on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, amidst some technical challenges.

Restoration of GCNet system

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday said it is consulting with the management of GCNet for the restoration of the GCNet GCMS services while the challenges with UNIPASS are fixed.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ag. Commissioner-General of the GRA, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, said “It has come to the notice of the Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that Customs House Agents/declarants are facing some challenges processing their Customs documents on the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS).

“Management of GRA as part of efforts to resolve these challenges is having consultations with the management of GCNet for the restoration of the GCNet GCMS services.”

The statement added, “The discussions are almost concluded and Management is hopeful that the GCNet GCMS will be operational by Wednesday, 29 April 2020.”

UNIPASS system

The UNIPASS/ICUMS platform is a new port clearing system that processes documents and payments through one window; a departure from the previous system where valuation and classification and risk management and payment were handled by different entities.

CUPIA Korea, which is assisting the Customs Division to implement the UNIPASS system, has described it as an enhanced single window system for trade facilitation.

The company which is expected to address key challenges at the ports also replaces the existing service providers, the Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet), which has operated for nearly 17 years, and West Blue Consulting.