The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has begun a nationwide sensitisation of shippers on the mandatory registration of shippers on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) in accordance with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
Officials of the GSA, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and ICUMS have toured the country to explain how the electronic system will ease cargo clearance and support the collection of data for policy formulation and adjustments.
On Wednesday, 5th August 2026, a sensitisation programme was organised for executives of Freight Forwarding Associations at the Ghana Shippers’ House.
The engagement was aimed at promoting compliance with Section 26(1) of Act 1122, which requires all importers and exporters to register with the Authority before processing shipment transactions through the ICUMS platform.
Opening the programme, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Technical Services, Mrs Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, underscored the importance of the mandatory registration and urged freight forwarders to support the process by ensuring that their clients registered to avoid disruptions to cargo clearance.
Officials of the GSA and Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. subsequently demonstrated the ICUMS registration process and responded to stakeholders’ questions to facilitate a smooth implementation.
During the discussions, freight forwarders appealed for the implementation deadline to be extended to Monday to 31st August 2026, to allow additional time for stakeholder sensitisation and compliance. Mrs. Dauda Owu acknowledged the request and assured participants that Management would consider the appeal and communicate its decision.
The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Container Administrative Charge (CAC). The President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Mr. Stephen Adjokatcher, and the Chairman of the GIFF Tema Chapter, Mr. Johnny Mantey, encouraged freight forwarders to ensure that importers complied with the approved GH¢720 Container Administrative Charge, emphasising the need for industry-wide support.
Also addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Mr. Divine Agbeko, called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate seamless cargo clearance and improve trade efficiency.
The engagement forms part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and promote efficient trade through the effective implementation of Act 1122 (2024).
By Bismark Awusah
