Ghana’s Importers and Exporters Association has expressed serious concerns regarding recent media reports detailing a request made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to gain access to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) platform.
According to the association, their inquiries with the Ghana Revenue Authority have confirmed that the Office of the Special Prosecutor did indeed request executive access to the ICUMS operations. This development has raised eyebrows, as the OSP, which is mandated by law to investigate corruption cases, seemingly seeks access to a service provider’s system that has been widely praised since its establishment.
Typically, the association notes, such requests are made by the OSP when it suspects any wrongdoing on the part of ICUMS. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the office to seek court clearance to gain specific access to the platform.
The sensitivity of the ICUMS platform cannot be understated, as it contains valuable and sensitive data pertaining to importers, exporters, and business operators. Any breaches that may occur in the name of data access by the OSP could prove detrimental to the business community.
In light of these developments, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is seeking clarification from the OSP regarding the motives behind their sudden request. Additionally, they urge the OSP to be transparent about the data they intend to access from the ICUMS platform.
The association affirms its commitment to promoting best business practices and expresses support for any measures taken by the OSP to ensure a corruption-free port sector. However, they emphasize the importance of clarity in the discharge of the OSP’s duties to garner the necessary support from industry players.
Norvanreport