Freight Forwarders operating at the Port of Tema have expressed growing frustration over repeated and unannounced downtimes of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), describing the situation as “untenable” and a serious threat to port efficiency.

In a statement released this week, the association highlighted that since March 2025, ICUMS has experienced frequent outages without prior notice or contingency plans, causing significant disruptions to customs clearance processes.

The interruptions, they said, have led to delays in container clearance, missed delivery schedules, and substantial financial losses for businesses, including demurrage and storage charges.

“Daily operations are now fraught with unpredictability, affecting timelines, contractual obligations, and the broader logistics value chain,” the statement read.

It noted that freight forwarders are also incurring higher administrative and human resource costs due to prolonged processing times, while importers and exporters face reputational damage with partners locally and internationally.

The association called on relevant authorities to take urgent action, including providing a detailed explanation for the recurring system failures, establishing strong backup systems, giving advance notice of maintenance or unexpected outages, and implementing a compensation mechanism for affected businesses.

Additionally, they urged the creation of a multi-stakeholder emergency technical task force comprising ICUMS service providers, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Shippers Authority, and representatives of freight forwarders to monitor and address future disruptions.

The statement concluded that ensuring a dependable and accountable operating environment is critical for maintaining the competitiveness of the Port of Tema as a regional logistics hub.

Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/freight-forwarders-raise-alarm-over-frequent-icums-downtimes-at-tema-port/

Akwaabaa Communication, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, is set to host the maiden edition of the Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit in July 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Under the theme “ Accelerating Action: Transforming Ghana’s Shipping & Logistics Sector for Global Competitiveness,” the summit seeks to chart a new course for the nation’s shipping and logistics sector by addressing critical challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

The summit will gather over 1,000 CEOs, more than 100 government officials, and a vibrant mix of industry players, captains of industry, and international trade partners.

Keynote speeches by industry leaders, in-depth panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions will provide a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaborations, and outlining pragmatic steps toward a more efficient and competitive sector.

It promises two days of intensive dialogue, strategic exhibitions, and high-level networking, all aimed at advancing tangible reforms.

The event targets a broad audience, encompassing service providers, port authorities, shipping and transport logistics operators, international trade partners, policymakers, investors, financial institutions, industry analysts, and academia.

This diverse representation will ensure robust discussions and a holistic approach to tackling the multifaceted challenges facing the industry.

The Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit 2025 seeks to create a collaborative framework where government, industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders can work hand-in-hand to transform the shipping and logistics sector into a world-class, competitive, and efficient engine of growth.

For more information and registration details, visit www.gis-summit.com. You can also contact the summit secretariat at +233 244 627 609 or follow updates on social media at Gisl-summit.

Source: https://thebftonline.com/2025/05/12/ghana-to-host-maiden-shipping-logistics-summit-2025/