News
ICUMS records 1,452 transactions at land borders
Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS), says it has registered 1,452 transactions at the land frontiers since it was deployed.
Out of this, 408 were direct imports into home use, 900 Temporary Vehicle Imports, 34 Warehouse, 20 Transit and 9 Free Zones.
Responding to the concerns of some stakeholders, Mr Emmanuel Ohene, Assistant Commissioner of Customs who is the sector commander of Accra said payment was no longer made on the Bill of Entry (BoE) but rather a Bill of Tax is generated for the payment.
“Whereas previously, a post-entry is required to update change in exchange rate, ICUMS does that automatically and generates a new Bill of Tax. This is a more effective way of managing changes in exchange rate rather than the post-entry as was the case in the old system,” he stated.
According to him, the one per cent inspection fee in the case of General Goods & New Vehicles as well as one per cent Examination Fee in the case of Used Motor Vehicles are administrative fees and not related to a service provider.
“So long as a BOE goes through Classification and Valuation process, the payment of this fee is required,” he stressed.
Mr Ohene explained that the tax base for the calculation of ad-valorem taxes in Ghana had not changed and is duly enforced in the ICUMS.
He noted that the upfront relief on the payment of the one per cent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Deposit is not permanent and subject to periodic review.
“All taxpayers who require an upfront relief of this tax from GRA after approval are updated into ICUMS as and when the approval is done, otherwise you are required to pay,” he added.
He said every transaction done in ICUMS including Import Assessment Tax (TVI) is issued with their required certificate.
For the avoidance of doubt, a TVI certificate is generated and given to the driver, which is verifiable, he stated.
Mr Ohene explained that ICUMS had clear isolation of data and data privacy which was strictly enforced saying, “Transactions of one entity cannot be accessed by another agency”.
In addition, he said there is clear control of work, such that even users in the same company are not able to see one other’s work unless assigned supervisor role.
According to him, the administrators of a company could create, assign roles, suspend, revoke and delete a user.
He said the establishment of an ultra-modern call centre and Customer Support Desks at strategic locations was normal in such a transition process.
“Since November last year, training sessions have been organised for all stakeholders before the system went live,” he said.
“More so, as training is a continuous process, it is still ongoing and being run in collaboration with Freight Forwarders Associations to date,” Mr Ohene said.
BY TIMES REPORTER
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
