ECOWAS, as part of plans of ensuring easy passage of cargoes among its member states, has called for the integration of the ‘Sigmat’ module or feature into trade facilitation tools or systems of all ECOWAS member states.
This implies that, Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) will soon see the integration of the new module or feature.
Making the disclosure on the Eye on Port programme monitored by norvanreports, Deputy Commissioner of Customs in charge of Suspense Regime and Chair of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) Implementation Team, Emmanuel Ohene, noted the new feature will ensure seamless movement of cargo along the country’s borders to other West African countries.
“ECOWAS is bringing something called the ‘Sigmat’ which will be integrated into the ICUMS, the function of the Sigmat is to allow for the easy passage for goods in transit within the West African sub-region,” Mr Ohene noted.
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Speaking further at the programme, Mr Ohene, averred that in addition to the Sigmat, will also be the integration of the module known as the Petroleum Stock Management System.
The module, he asserts will enable the Customs Division of the GRA track revenues generated from petroleum imports through the ICUMS.
According to Mr Ohene, the two aforementioned features or modules along with some other 15 modules will all be rolled out by the end of this year.
“By the end of this year, we will see both the Sigmat and Petroleum Stock Management System functional and fully operational on the ICUMS platform,” he stated.
“In all we have 17 modules or features which will be integrated into the ICUMS for use by the end of this year,” he added.
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Already, some modules such as the Direct Delivery Cargo feature which allows for the direct removal of cargoes from the ports without any form of temporary storage of it has been introduced on the ICUMS platform.
Also expected to be introduced on the platform are modules or features such as the E-auction which will enable Ghanaians to participate and bid for auctioned goods at the ports online, the advanced passenger information system which is mainly for the airports, the authorised and economic operator module which prioritizes applications of compliant traders among others.
