The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has fiercely rejected allegations made by the New Voter Forum about mismanagement and political capture of Ghana’s port systems, calling the claims “reckless”, “misinformed”, and “dangerously misleading”.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Thursday, TAGG described the New Voter Forum’s May 27 press conference as a political stunt filled with baseless accusations aimed at discrediting the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which has become central to Ghana’s port digitisation efforts.

According to TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng, ICUMS was not imposed on Ghanaians in secrecy or haste.

Rather, it was developed through comprehensive consultations involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), freight forwarders, clearing agents, and other stakeholders.

The group challenged the legitimacy of the New Voter Forum, questioning its absence during stakeholder engagements and its sudden attempt to speak on behalf of traders.

TAGG acknowledged that while ICUMS may not be perfect, the system has brought numerous benefits, including:

Faster clearing times at the ports: A unified digital system that reduces corruption by minimising human contact.

Real-time valuation tools to prevent overcharging and under-invoicing: Increased government revenue to support national development.

A centralised data warehouse for transparency and reporting.

TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng emphasised that “real traders—those who actually work at the ports—can testify that clearing goods is now more predictable and far less prone to backdoor dealings.”

Responding to complaints of system failures, TAGG clarified that occasional downtimes are common in all large IT systems, including banks and telecoms, and do not indicate systemic failure.

They praised Ghana Link and the GRA for their quick response to technical challenges.

TAGG also dismissed suggestions that ICUMS is a political rent-seeking scheme, urging the New Voter Forum to provide evidence to anti-corruption agencies if they have any.

The group noted that ICUMS has received international recognition, including praise from the World Customs Organisation and interest from other African countries seeking to modernise their trade systems.

The advocacy group warned Ghanaians not to let partisan politics derail progress. “If ICUMS were dismantled today, it would be traders and small business owners who suffer the most,” the statement cautioned.

TAGG called on media outlets to verify technical claims with experts and avoid spreading misinformation. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the GRA, Ghana Link, and other agencies to create a fair, digital, and efficient trading environment.

TAGG concluded by inviting the New Voter Forum to visit the ports, engage directly with traders, and observe how the system operates rather than relying on “shallow political commentary”.

“This is a time for building, not breaking,” Amoateng said. “ICUMS represents Ghana’s future in trade, and it must be protected—not politicised.”