Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has stressed that a secure, stable, and predictable customs system is central to Ghana’s trade competitiveness and industrial growth.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare made the remarks at a ceremony to mark the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification of Ghana Link Network Services Limited’s new Tier IV data centre, which now hosts the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

She said Ghanaian traders, manufacturers and agribusiness operators depended on efficient and reliable systems to move goods across borders without avoidable delays.

“Our traders, manufacturers and agribusinesses succeed when the trading environment is predictable, efficient and trustworthy,” she stated.

She noted that whether businesses were importing raw materials, clearing machinery, exporting processed foods, or moving perishable goods, time and reliability were critical determinants of profitability.

“When the system is available, processes are consistent, and issues are resolved promptly; goods move. When it is not, delays build up, costs rise, and the effects are felt across the entire value chain,” she said.

The Minister explained that the successful migration of ICUMS to the new Tier IV data centre, coupled with the ISO certification, meant the platform now operated under clearly tested international standards for information security and operational continuity.

“In plain terms, this means the data centre has clear and tested measures to protect information and to keep the system secure and available,” she said.

She highlighted key operational safeguards, including access control, incident management, disaster recovery readiness, and structured change management processes.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare indicated that a dependable customs platform supported broader government objectives such as lowering the cost of doing business, enabling firms to plan with confidence, and strengthening fair competition in the domestic market.

She observed that Ghana had faced challenges in the past, including undervaluation and other practices that undermined state revenue and distorted competition.

“When duties are avoided, some goods enter the market at prices that honest traders and local manufacturers cannot match,” she said.

She added that strengthening traceability and controls through ICUMS would help curb unfair practices and protect legitimate businesses.

The Minister also linked the certification to investor confidence, stating that investors in logistics, warehousing, agro-processing, and manufacturing looked for dependable and well-managed systems before committing capital.

“A secure and well-run customs platform signals seriousness. It reassures the trading community that Ghana is committed to modern trade administration and protecting the integrity of the trading system,” she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare placed the development within the context of the government’s recent engagement with the private sector, referencing assurances by the president to maintain Ghana’s industrial competitiveness.

“That commitment must be reflected in the daily experience of businesses, particularly at the point where goods enter and leave our country,” she noted.

While congratulating Ghana Link and its partners for achieving the certification, she cautioned that maintaining the standard would require continuous improvement, routine reviews, and sustained staff commitment.

“Achieving certification is important, but sustaining the standard is where lasting value lies,” she said.

She urged all institutions involved in customs administration to remain responsive to users and resolve issues promptly to ensure long-term trust in the system.