The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has underscored the importance of a secure, stable and predictable customs system in strengthening Ghana’s trade competitiveness and industrial growth.
She made the remarks at a ceremony marking the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification of Ghana Link Network Services Limited’s Tier IV data centre, which hosts the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
According to the Minister, Ghanaian traders, manufacturers and agribusiness operators depend heavily on efficient and reliable customs systems to move goods across borders without avoidable delays.
She noted that businesses importing raw materials, clearing machinery, exporting processed goods or transporting perishable items rely on time and system reliability to remain profitable.
“When systems are stable and processes are consistent, goods move efficiently. When disruptions occur, delays increase costs and affect the entire value chain,” she stated.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare explained that the successful migration of ICUMS to the new Tier IV data centre, combined with ISO certification, means the platform now operates under internationally tested standards for information security and operational continuity.
She highlighted safeguards such as strict access controls, incident management procedures, disaster recovery readiness and structured change management processes as critical to ensuring system integrity.
The Minister said a dependable customs platform supports broader government goals, including lowering the cost of doing business, improving planning certainty for firms and promoting fair competition in the domestic market.
She observed that past challenges, including undervaluation and unfair trade practices, had undermined state revenue and distorted competition.
Strengthened controls and improved traceability under ICUMS, she said, would help curb such practices and protect legitimate businesses.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare further indicated that investor confidence in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, agro-processing and manufacturing depends on reliable and well-managed trade systems.
“A secure and well-run customs platform signals Ghana’s commitment to modern trade administration and the integrity of its trading system,” she added.
While commending Ghana Link and its partners for achieving the certification, the Minister stressed that sustaining the standard would require continuous improvement, regular system reviews and ongoing staff commitment to maintain long-term trust and efficiency.
