The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has launched a nationwide education drive to ensure all shippers comply with the compulsory registration requirement on the Integrated Customs Management System, known as ICUMS.
The event held in Accra at the Ghana Shippers’ House brought together Key Stakeholders in the logistics and customs clearance industry. The initiative will be rolled out on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with a dedicated session for members of the Association of Freight Forwarders, in line with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, Act 1122.
The law mandates that all individuals and companies involved in shipping must register on the ICUMS platform. The move is designed to improve transparency in cargo clearance, reduce delays at the ports, and support the government’s efforts to collect accurate trade data for policy and revenue purposes.
Speaking at the program, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Technical Operations, Mrs. Lydia Alhassan, stressed that the mandatory registration is not optional. She explained that the GSA is working closely with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and with Ghana Link Network Services Limited, the managers of ICUMS, to make sure every shipper is captured on the system.
She urged freight forwarders to take the lead in ensuring their clients are registered ahead of time to avoid any disruptions when clearing goods. According to her, early compliance will help prevent congestion and unnecessary costs for importers and exporters. Officials Demonstrate ICUMS Process to Stakeholders.
As part of the engagement, technical officers from both the GSA and Ghana Link Network Services Limited took participants through a live demonstration of the ICUMS registration process. The session was interactive, with attendees asking questions and seeking clarity on how the system works and what documents are required.
Officials explained that the platform was created to digitize trade processes and eliminate manual bottlenecks that have long slowed down cargo movement. They noted that once shippers are registered, their information will be linked to all future declarations, making clearance faster and more predictable.
The meeting also addressed concerns raised by freight forwarders about the timeline for full enforcement. Responding to appeals for more time, management indicated that the Authority would consider the request and communicate any adjustments.
However, stakeholders were advised to begin the registration process immediately rather than wait. Also, leaders of the freight forwarding community used the opportunity to reaffirm their support for the initiative.
The President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Mr. Stephen Adjietseh, and the Chairman of the DBT/Tonyi Chapter, Mr. Johnny Mantey, both encouraged their members to comply with the directive. They said that a well-organised and digital system will ultimately benefit the trade industry by reducing delays and improving accountability.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, Mr. Iddrisu Iddisah, also addressed the gathering. He called for stronger collaboration among regulators, service providers, and shippers to ensure the smooth rollout of the system.
He emphasized that the goal is to build a more efficient trade environment that supports business growth while safeguarding government revenue.
Compliance Will Improve Trade Efficiency
The Authority described the sensitization program as part of its broader mandate to promote regulatory compliance, encourage stakeholder cooperation, and enhance efficiency in Ghana’s trade sector through the effective implementation of Act 1122.
Officials explained that the law gives the GSA the power to monitor shipping activities and ensure that all parties in the supply chain are properly documented. By capturing shipper data on ICUMS, the government will be able to track trade volumes more accurately, identify irregularities, and make informed policy decisions.
The GSA further noted that the registration requirement will help protect shippers from fraud and misdeclaration, as all transactions will be traceable on the digital platform. This, they said, will create a more secure and transparent trading environment for both local and international businesses.
Participants at the Accra session welcomed the education effort but urged the Authority to extend similar programs to the regions. They argued that many shippers outside Accra may not be fully aware of the new requirement and could face penalties if they are not reached in time.
In response, GSA officials confirmed that additional sensitization programs are being planned for other major commercial centres across the country. The Authority said it will work with regional trade associations and port authorities to ensure nationwide coverage before full enforcement begins.
The launch of the campaign comes at a time when Ghana is pushing to modernize its port operations and align with international best practices in trade facilitation, as the platform is expected to serve as the single window for all customs-related processes, reducing the need for multiple physical interactions and paperwork.
The GSA believes that a fully digitized and registered system will address many of these concerns by providing real-time updates and clear audit trails. As the nationwide exercise continues, the Authority is encouraging all shippers, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders to visit the ICUMS portal or contact GSA offices for assistance with registration.
It has also set up help desks to guide stakeholders through the process and resolve any technical issues they may encounter. With the new law now in effect, compliance is expected to become a key requirement for anyone seeking to clear goods through Ghana’s ports.
To conclude, the GSA assured that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and to build a more efficient, transparent, and competitive shipping industry.
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