ICUMS Failures Spark Demurrage Costs as Indigenous Freight Forwarders Threaten Mass Protest

By Justice Ahoto 

The persistent hitches with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), despite repeated assurances from its managers, have heightened tensions in Ghana’s shipping and freight sector, with importers, agents, and freight forwarders raising alarm over mounting costs and business disruptions.

Importers say they are being forced to pay heavy demurrage charges due to prolonged delays caused by the system’s instability. Clearing agents and freight forwarders, who serve as intermediaries, are also bearing the brunt of the situation as disgruntled clients demand faster clearance of goods.

The strongest pushback has come from the Advocate for Indigenous Freight Forwarders, led by its convenor Godfred Mawuli Tettey, which has warned of a nationwide demonstration if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.

Mr. Tettey stressed that the continuous malfunctions of ICUMS are crippling businesses and eroding trust in Ghana’s port operations.

“Importers are paying needless demurrage while agents are being harassed by clients who are losing money daily. If ICUMS cannot deliver as promised, then alternatives must be explored or competition introduced to ensure efficiency. We cannot sit idle while this continues,” he cautioned.

Introduced as a single-window platform to streamline customs processes and boost revenue collection, ICUMS has faced persistent criticisms since its rollout, particularly from freight forwarders who cite poor user experience and inefficiencies.

With the threat of mass protest looming, stakeholders in the port community are anxiously watching to see how the government and system managers respond to restore confidence and prevent further financial losses.