ICUMS success demonstrates potential for homegrown technology solutions - Acquah-Hayford

Norvan Acquah-Hayford, the Public Relations Manager of Ghana Link Network Services, says the success of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is a demonstration of the potential for homegrown technology solutions to address complex national challenges.

“The success of companies like Ghana Link in developing and implementing large-scale digital solutions could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to modernise their customs and trade facilitation processes,” he said.

Mr. Acquah-Hayford said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency following the awarding of executives of Ghana Link and managers of ICUMS at the recently held sixth edition of the National Communications Awards 2024.

He was awarded the Corporate Communication Personality of the Year in the private sector category, while Dr. Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the company, clinched the prestigious CTO of the Year Award at the event’s Digital Future Edition.

The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nick Danso Adjei, was named Technology Entrepreneur of the Year; the Managing Director, Mr. Nabali Bawa, secured the CEO of the Year (Technology—Africa) award; and Ghana Link also received multiple honours, including Technology Company of the Year (Trade Facilitation & Innovation), Business with Purpose Award (CSR Impact—Technology), and Digital Transformation Team of the Year (Private Sector—Gold).

Mr. Acquah-Hayford, said as Ghana Link and similar companies continued to innovate, it was crucial to address challenges in the sector to ensure the benefits of digitalisation are broadly shared across Ghanaian society.

He said: “The path to full digital transformation is not without challenges. Issues such as digital infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for widespread digital literacy remain significant hurdles.”

He noted that Ghana’s push for digital transformation aligns with broader trends across Africa, where technology is increasingly seen as a catalyst for economic development and improved governance.

“The success of companies like Ghana Link in developing and implementing large-scale digital solutions could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to modernise their customs and trade facilitation processes,” Mr Acquah-Hayford observed.

According to him, the clean sweep of awards by his outfit and its executives signals the company’s dominant position in Ghana’s technology ecosystem and its crucial role in driving the country’s digital agenda.

Dr. Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Ghana Link, said they were committed to driving technological advancements that would enhance trade and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

He added that their vision for the future was to leverage technology to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and boost overall development in Ghana, expressing the belief that digitalisation was key to unlocking Ghana’s full potential, and therefore, he was committed to playing a leading role in this transformation.