Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said while the group supports port modernisation, any new digital system must be credible, secure and aligned with Ghana’s national trade infrastructure.

As part of its year-in-review, the Association reported improved customs revenue performance, noting that revenue increased from about US$3.1 billion in 2024 to over US$3.17 billion as at September 2025. This, it said, was largely driven by ICUMS and broader trade facilitation reforms.

The IEAG acknowledged challenges with intermittent system downtimes but praised collaborative efforts by stakeholders to enhance system resilience and efficiency.

The Association also highlighted positive macroeconomic developments, including the removal of the COVID-19 levy, VAT adjustments, relative stability of the cedi, declining inflation and reduced interest rates. These trends, it said, have helped ease the cost of doing business for traders.

However, the IEAG expressed strong reservations over reports that a Cyprus-registered firm, Truedare Investments Limited, has been contracted to deploy an AI-based port system from 2026. According to the Association, there is no publicly verifiable evidence of the company’s technical capacity, operational track record or engagement with key stakeholders.

The group warned that allowing a foreign private entity to rely heavily on ICUMS data could pose risks to data sovereignty, cybersecurity and revenue assurance, while potentially increasing the cost of doing business at the ports.

The Association therefore called on government to prioritise broad stakeholder consultations, ensure Ghana retains full control over its customs data, and invest in capacity building for local customs and technical officers to safeguard the country’s trade and port systems.

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Describing the new law as a major milestone, the Authority said it would enhance transparency, fairness, and cost-effective governance within Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

Under the Act, shipping service providers — including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents — are now required to submit all proposed fees, charges, and tariffs to the GSA for approval before implementation.

Speaking to the media, the Manager of the Middle Zone Office in Kumasi, John Glover, emphasized the importance of ongoing nationwide sensitisation to ensure shippers fully understand the Authority’s expanded mandate and its benefits.

“We are going across the country to educate importers, exporters, and stakeholders across the value chain so they appreciate the law and the support GSA provides,” he stated.

Mr. Glover noted that the GSA now has full regulatory powers to protect shippers from unlawful or excessive charges.

“With the new law, we can regulate the commercial shipping industry to ensure the right fees are charged. Any company that overcharges or flouts the regulations can be sanctioned,” he explained.

Highlighting early achievements under Act 1122, he disclosed that the GSA played a key role in the recent abolition of the COVID-19 Import Levy after submitting a policy paper to the government.

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Speaking at the 2025 Horticulture Expo held in Tafo, Eastern Region, he said, “The time is now. We are not starting from zero; we are building on the dreams of generations.”

He reminded the nation of the words of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who said, “Seek ye first the political kingdom.” According to President Mahama, it is now time to “seek ye first the productive economy.”

He emphasised the importance of agriculture and youth empowerment in driving this economic transformation.

“To our farmers, you are the backbone of this renewal. To our youth, you are the heartbeat of our ambition,” he said.

He also assured the international community that “Ghana is open for business,” describing the country as “green, export-ready, and growing with purpose.”

President Mahama called for unity and partnership, stating that with “hope, confidence, and a renewed spirit of partnership,” Ghana is ready to open a new chapter of sustainable development.