Operations of the Ghana Link end-to-end single window system Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) for transacting business at the port has saved importers a huge cost of clearing goods at the ports.

This is an assertion by the Director of Operations for Ghana Link, Raymond Amaglo.

According to him, the systems deployed at the port has help importers to identify their cost and make payments ahead of time to avoid foreign exchange losses which might occur as a result of the depreciating local currency.

Raymond was speaking to Jo Business after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Customs Uni-Pass International Agency of Korea to advance its systems and operations across Ghana and the Gambia.

“When you look at the clearing time before our deployment and now, there has been a lot of transparency and speed in transactions. So an importer is able to access the bill before arrival of the goods and make payments ahead of the time which may not be affected by any currency depreciation. There has been a lot of improvement in clearing cargo at the ports”.

The new agreement between CUPIA of Korea and Ghana link is aimed at transferring advance technology and more resources into the operations of ICUMS in Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Chairman of Ghana Link, Nick Danso expressed confidence that the agreement will enhance revenue mobilization at the various ports.

“All the stakeholders are very satisfied with the performance of the ICUMS system and this system has had a great impact on our trade and revenue generation. I wish to acknowledge the contribution of all the stakeholders especially customs, freight forwarders, terminal operators, airlines, shipping lines etc. for the immense support they continue to give us."

"I am even more excited that CUPIA has agreed to partner with Ghana link for the development of similar systems for our neighboring African countries. Together we shall help transform the international trade landscape for our sub-region and continent as a whole” he said.

Both parties have agreed to work towards the modernization of the country’s customs operation.