The Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, says it is in talks with GCNet to restore its systems following the challenges witnessed at the ports with the newly introduced Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), otherwise known as UNIPASS.
According to them, the discussions with GCNET have been induced by the challenges faced by agents processing their custom documents using the new system.
UNIPASS was introduced by government to replace the single window platform– Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS)– from GCNet and West Blue Consult at the ports.
GRA started using the system on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, amidst some technical challenges.
Freight forwarders at the Tema Port were agitated because of their inability to go through the process to get their goods out of the port.
In an official statement issued by the GRA on Tuesday, 28 April, 2020, and signed by the Ag. Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, said talks are far advanced to get GCnet back to work on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, while the challenges with UNIPASS are fixed.
“It has come to the notice of the Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that Customs House Agents/declarants are facing some challenges processing their Customs documents on the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS). Management of GRA as part of efforts to resolve these challenges is having consultations with the management of GCNet for the restoration of the GCNet GCMS services.”
“The discussions are almost concluded and Management is hopeful that the GCNet GCMS will be operational by Wednesday, 29 April 2020,” GRA added in the letter.
The UNIPASS/ICUMS system
The UNIPASS/ICUMS platform is a new port clearing system that processes documents and payments through one window; a departure from the previous system where valuation and classification and risk management and payment were handled by different entities.
CUPIA Korea, which is assisting the Customs Division to implement the UNIPASS system, has described it as an enhanced single window system for trade facilitation.
The company which is expected to address key challenges at the ports also replaces the existing service providers, the Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet), which has operated for nearly 17 years, and West Blue Consulting.
Rejection of UNIPASS
Following the introduction of the system, there has been strong opposition from various stakeholders who insist on maintaining the existing single window in order not to severely disrupt trade and revenue flows.
Policy think-tank, IMANI Africa, earlier this month petitioned government to temporarily suspend the operations of UNI-PASS and allow GCNET and West Blue to operate for the remainder of the year to rake in revenue in excess of GHS10 billion for the country considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade activities.
Challenges with UNIPASS system could cause revenue losses
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders is predicting revenue losses if the concerns raised by stakeholders on the inefficiencies of the UNIPASS system are not addressed.
The President of the Institute, Edward Akrong, warns that the delays associated with the piloting of the system at the Takoradi Port could cause serious problems at the Tema port if not checked before implementation.
“If these delays continue and all these issues are not resolved, it will have serious effects on revenue collection. It is what it is. Things will have to be done right. It is a very simple matter. Once things are done with speed, revenue comes in and things will flow,” he said.