Nick Danso Adjei, Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. (Ghana Link), who steered the implementation of the trade facilitation tool, the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS), in Ghana, has described as welcoming, the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) request and interest in accessing its platform.

The Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is a single-window system for processing documents and payments. It allows users to create Unique Consignment Reference (UCR), an exclusive number for easy identification and tracking of all cargo.

He told the New Crusading Guide in an exclusive interview over the weekend that, “I know they are sorting some few things, like what specific information they need out with the GRA, but it is welcome news.”

“Already, on the ICUMS platform, the National Security, GRA, Customs, and all the relevant security agencies are there to ensure that things run accordingly, so OSP coming in would also add to the transparency agenda and ensure everything goes well. So, our doors are always opened,” the multiple award winner said.

Nick Danso Adjei’s reception to the request of the OSP belies the spirited roadblock that has been mounted by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana against what the OSP wants.

According to the association, the ICUMS platform is a very sensitive one which contains valuable and sensitive data about importers and exporters as well as business operators.

It therefore warned that any breaches caused to the platform in the name of data access by the OSP could be detrimental to the business community.

In a press release dated June 15, 2023, the group is seeking some form of clarification from the Office of the Special Prosecutor to make known its intention and what influenced its sudden request.

“We seek for clarification from the OSP to make known their intention of what influenced their sudden request. As well, the OSP must come clear on the data it seeks to access from the ICUMS platform.”

“The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has been a propagator of best business practices and will support any move by the OSP to ensure the port sector is free from.”

However, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana pledged its commitment to continue to engage in good business practices and will support any move by the OSP to ensure the port sector is free from corrupt practices.

Against the backdrop of the May 2, 2023, letter from the OSP, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) set 9-member team to engage the Special Prosecutor on the ICUMS access request.