Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) is worried about the delay in clearing cargo at the ports despite the full implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected about ¢4.6 billion as revenue at the ports from March to August this year, which GIFF has welcomed. 

President of GIFF, Edward Akrong told Joy Business that the live deployment of the system leads to delays which are creating additional costs for importers and his members.

“Our only issue with it is finding solutions in the midst of live deployment and that creates cost for us and our importers. So, that is our major concern because most of the cost that we incur, these are all time related,” he stated.

He stated that his outfit has listed its grievances and sent to the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Marfo.

He, however, lamented about the process as it costs GIFF members more though it is meant to be the solution to the previous system, GCNet and West Blue.

“Like I said, most of the things we do are time related and the solutions that create delay are being deployed. You’re looking for the solution while you’ve already deployed it.

"Of course we’re being affected unfairly. For seven days, you have to pay interest charge. Fourteen days you have to pay product house rent and remember seven days you have to pay demurrage,” he said.