Policy think-tank IMANI Africa has raised concerns with the new single-window trade facilitation tool contract which is expected to improve port operations and boost the paperless system.

The 10-year UNIPASS Trade Facilitation and Customs Management System contract is being spearheaded by Ghana Link Services Ltd, in conjunction with Customs UNIPASS International Agency (CUPIA), of the Korean Customs Service (KCS).

Following a legal review of the contract, IMANI Africa said it found the contract covering the exercise “quite shallow and simplistic.”

The think-tank commissioned a review of the contract to help it understand whether it was fit for purpose after previously raising concerns about it.

After its evaluation, however, IMANI believes that Ghana may be rushing into something serious and complex with not enough contemplation and preparation.

In a report copied to Joy News, the think-tank said “Contracts covering contracts of significant size complexity are expected to be sufficiently detailed to contain all relevant information within one document so it can show as clearly as possible all pertinent issues under consideration by the parties and also express the rights and responsibilities in sufficient detail.

“For a contract of the magnitude of the UNIPASS contract, the brevity is worrying, so is the lack of detail. The pronouncements and warranties seem to have been made without connection to any proof of ability to perform or lien in default.”

Read the full report below: