Ghana Link Network Services Ltd has digitized the weighbridges at both Tema and Takorodi ports by adding the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) in its operations, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its ports and enhance revenue collection.
The advancement is expected to benefit multiple stakeholders, including Ghana’s Customs Division, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) with respect to the net weights, and axle weights for the Ghana Highway Authority for the protection of the nation’s road infrastructure.
The new weighbridge system, operational at both the Atlantic Terminal in Takoradi Port and at the country’s biggest port Tema Port, is designed to accurately measure imports and exports cargo weights. This precision is crucial for the proper calculation of duties and taxes on all consignments.
Public Relations Manager of Ghana Link Network Services, Norvan Acquah-Hayford, said the goal with this new module is to bring greater transparency and efficiency to Ghana’s import processes, by providing accurate weight measurements, and to not only enhance revenue collection but also contributing to fair trade practices.
The implementation of the weighbridge system comes at a critical time for Ghana. In 2022, Ghana’s ports handled over 25 million metric tonnes of cargo, underscoring the potential impact of even small improvements in measurement accuracy. The new system is not just about revenue, however. It also addresses a long-standing issue of road degradation caused by overloaded trucks.
By providing accurate weight information to the Ghana Highway Authority, the system will help enforce load limits, potentially saving millions in road repair costs.
However, the weighbridge module is integrated with the existing ICUMS, which Ghana Link introduced in 2020 to replace the previous port systems. ICUMS has been credited with streamlining customs processes and improving revenue collection, despite initial implementation challenges.
Industry experts see the addition of the weighbridge module as a logical next step in Ghana’s digitalization journey. The system also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade. By providing accurate and transparent weight measurements, Ghana is setting a standard that could be emulated across the continent.
