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GOIL, Star Oil warn of possible fuel shortages after ICUMS outage
GOIL PLC and Star Oil Ghana have warned customers about possible fuel shortages at some filling stations across the country following a technical problem with the Integrated Customs Management System.
In a public notice to customers, GOIL explained that the system, which is used to process tax liabilities for oil marketing companies, has been experiencing an outage since Thursday.
According to the company, the problem has prevented oil marketing companies from loading petroleum products from fuel depots for distribution to service stations.
It noted that because of the disruption, some of its stations across the country may temporarily run low on fuel.
The Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL, Edward Abambire Bawa, expressed regret over the situation and apologised to customers for the inconvenience.
He explained that the company understands the impact the situation could have on motorists and transport operators who rely on its products for their daily activities.
Star Oil also confirmed the challenge in a separate message to customers, explaining that the outage has affected the entire petroleum industry.
The company indicated that oil marketing companies have been unable to process the required documents needed to load fuel due to the system failure.
It added that some of its stations could run out of fuel faster because many of them record high sales compared to their underground storage capacity.
Both companies assured customers that they were engaging the relevant authorities to resolve the problem so that normal fuel supply could resume.
They thanked customers for their patience and continued support while efforts are being made to restore the system.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
