Freight Forwarders in the Western Regional capital Takoradi have expressed their displeasure about the lingering challenges with the new Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) at the Takoradi Port

The freighters last week, picketed at the Customs Office of the Ghana Revenue in Takoradi to call for the immediate suspension of UNIPASS system until the operators are able to fix the problem with the new system.

Derick Prince Abodjan, the Chairman of the Takoradi District of GIFF, speaking to the media urged the government to temporarily suspend the operations of UNIPASS and restore GCNet/WestBlue system at Takoradi Port, just as done at the Tema Port, while the challenges with the UNIPASS were fixed

A representative of the French Embassy, Ms Nina Duval, who is also a facilitator of the programme said the Embassy was happy to partner the GSA in carrying out the initiative which she described as laudable On her part the CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ms Benonita Bismarck, said the initiative was mooted by the Authority’s Board Chairperson, Mrs Stella Wilson.

She congratulated the freight forwarding bodies for seizing the opportunity and added that since Ghana finds itself surrounded by Francophone countries it was important that Ghanaian freight forwarders become proficient in the language. She urged the freight forwarders shortlisted for the programme to make the most of the opportunity and was optimistic the initiative will impact greatly on Ghana’s transit trade competitiveness.

<

To make the French proficiency programme sustainable, the GSA will send a staff to France for training and upon return will become a trainer of trainees to continue offering French lessons to freight forwarders working at the borders of Aflao, Paga and Elubo.