The Transport Forum Ghana is demanding urgent answers from Ghana Link Services Limited, operators of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) regarding missing documents.
The think tank noted that following the ICUMS system shutdown on October 23-24, 2024—which affected all port operations—all attached documents and files in the Customs Entry and Declaration records could not be found or traced when the system was reactivated.
Inquiry into document disappearance
In a statement signed by Mr. Samuel Essel, General Secretary of the think tank, Transport Forum Ghana seeks to know the whereabouts of all attached documents and files from 2020 until October 2024.
The organization is also demanding detailed explanations from both Ghana Link Services Limited and the Customs Division of the GRA regarding the steps taken to resolve this issue.
Accusations of data protection breach
The Transport Forum Ghana is further calling for urgent answers on whether Ghana Link Services Limited and the Customs Division of the GRA have breached the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) in relation to the data protection of Ghanaian businesses.
The think tank questioned whether the shutdown of the system was a deliberate action by these entities, designed to conceal or manipulate critical information.
Impact on freight forwarders and businesses
The statement also raises concerns about the trust of freight forwarders and businesses, which are now struggling to provide the missing attached documents and files dating back to 2020.
As a think tank focused on education and advocacy within the shipping, logistics, and transport sector, Transport Forum Ghana insists that these issues must be addressed promptly to maintain confidence in the country’s trade infrastructure.
In summary, Transport Forum Ghana’s call for accountability underscores the critical need for transparency and robust data management practices.
The missing documents not only threaten the integrity of ICUMS but also have far-reaching implications for the broader business community in Ghana.
