Ghana Link’s ICUMS introduces advanced weighbridge system at ports

Ghana Link Network Services Ltd has completed the construction of four weighbridges at Tema Port GPHA Terminal 1 and two at the Atlantic Terminal Services in Takoradi.

While all the weighbridges provide Gross, Tare, and Net weights (i.e. standard weights) of cargoes, some of the weighbridges are multi-deck.

Outside the standard weights’ measurements, a multi-deck weighbridge also provides axle weights of trucks which is of interest to the Highway Authority.

The weighbridges have been integrated into ICUMS (Integrated Customs Management System), marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its ports and enhance revenue collection.

The move is expected to benefit multiple stakeholders, including Ghana’s Customs Division, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) with respect to the net weights, and axle weights for the Ghana Highway Authority for the protection of the nation’s road infrastructure.

The new weighbridge system, operational at both the Atlantic Terminal in Takoradi Port and at the country’s biggest port Tema Port, is designed to accurately measure imports and exports cargo weights. This precision is crucial for the proper calculation of duties and taxes on all consignments.

Norvan Acquah-Hayford, the public relations manager of Ghana Link Network Services, spoke to the media about the initiative. “Our goal with this new module is to bring greater transparency and efficiency to Ghana’s import processes,” he stated.

“By providing accurate weight measurements, we’re not only enhancing revenue collection but also contributing to fair trade practices.”

The implementation of the weighbridge system comes at a critical time for Ghana. In 2022, Ghana’s ports handled over 25 million metric tonnes of cargo, underscoring the potential impact of even small improvements in measurement accuracy.

The new system is not just about revenue, however. It also addresses a long-standing issue of road degradation caused by overloaded trucks. By providing accurate weight information to the Ghana Highway Authority, the system will help enforce load limits, potentially saving millions in road repair costs.

The weighbridge module is integrated with the existing ICUMS, which Ghana Link introduced in 2020 to replace the previous port systems. ICUMS has been credited with streamlining customs processes and improving revenue collection, despite initial implementation challenges.

Industry experts see the addition of the weighbridge module as a logical next step in Ghana’s digitalization journey. The system also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade. By providing accurate and transparent weight measurements, Ghana is setting a standard that could be emulated across the continent.

As a key transit point for landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, Ghana’s ports play a crucial role in regional trade. The accurate weighing of transit goods will facilitate smoother cross-border transportation and potentially reduce disputes over cargo weights at inland borders.

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