The World Bank has commended Ghana's ICUMS for significantly increasing monthly Customs revenue at the Tema Port. The system has more than doubled revenue from GH¢500-600 million to GH¢1.2-1.4 billion after its implementation. This sharp increase reflects improved compliance, reduced revenue leakages, and greater efficiency in customs administration following the digital transformation of the country's principal port.
According to the World Bank's 10th Economic Update, titled "Roads for Growth: Sustaining Macroeconomic Recovery and Unlocking Transport for Transformation," published in August 2025, the digital system has enhanced compliance and reduced opportunities for evasion. The report compared Customs' monthly revenue performance during the 25 months preceding ICUMS introduction with collections after the system became operational.
During the pre-ICUMS period, monthly Customs revenue from the port generally ranged between GH¢500-600 million. However, revenue rose sharply to approximately GH¢1.2 billion in April 2023, the first month of ICUMS operation. From April to December 2023, monthly collections remained significantly higher, fluctuating between GH¢1.2-1.4 billion.
ICUMS, operated by Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, has automated several processes that were previously conducted manually, reducing human intervention while improving efficiency and transparency in Customs operations. The system integrates Customs administration with security and trade facilitation functions, making it considerably more difficult to falsify documents while enabling faster scrutiny and processing of declarations.
The transformation has been reinforced by the use of non-intrusive inspection technologies, including X-ray scanners, cargo scanners, Gamma scanners, infrared spectroscopy, and backscatter systems. These technologies enable Customs officers to examine consignments beyond their visible surfaces without physically opening them, improving the ability to identify contents and potential risks.
Beyond revenue collection, ICUMS has strengthened collaboration among several agencies involved in the clearance of goods. Relevant state agencies have access to the platform, allowing them to participate in joint inspections and share information in real-time. The system also uses traders' compliance records to determine the level of scrutiny required for their consignments, rewarding compliance while allowing Customs to concentrate on higher-risk transactions.
Key points
- ICUMS has doubled monthly revenue from GH¢600m to GH¢1.2bn.
- The system has improved compliance, reduced revenue leakages, and increased efficiency in customs administration.
- ICUMS has strengthened collaboration among agencies involved in the clearance of goods.
