GCNet yet to hand over critical port data to GRA – Ghana Link

Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, managers of the new Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has revealed that critical data that will facilitate the transition process still remains with the old service provider.

Public Relations Manager of Ghana Link, Norvan Acquah-Hayford, told Ghanaweb in an exclusive interview that Ghana Community Network Services Ltd (GCNet), managers of the old system, have not handed over the data to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“It will interest you to know that GCNet has not handed over the data they were supposed to hand over to GRA to enable us [Ghana Link/ICUMS] to continue with that data,” he said.

Mr Acquah-Hayford revealed further that discussions are currently ongoing to get the data released.

The old port revenue management system was abrogated on May 31, as the new ICUMS took over on June 1, 2020.

In the days leading up to the hand over, the new ICUMS deal faced resistance from groups and individuals about the integrity of the new system.

Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has been among the fierce critics of the system on grounds that the transitional arrangement put in place by the ICUMS was costing the importer more than before.

However, Mr. Acquah-Hayford explained on Monday that managers of the new system cannot be blamed for high rent charges accruing due to the delays.

According to him, some Freight Forwarders made payments at the bank after using the old system. All that data is locked up with managers of the old system, he added.

Mr Acquah-Hayford also said in line with Ghana Link’s firm commitment to dealing with the challenges, a flow chart and accompanying processes have been released to guide Freight Forwarders and shipping lines on the way forward.

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