The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has debunked media reports that the newly adopted Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) at the country’s ports has resulted in revenue losses.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Commissioner Communications and Public Affairs, Florence Asante, the GRA stressed that the media reports attributing revenue losses at Tema port to ICUMS is “completely misleading and does not represent facts on the ground”.
The revenue mobilization agency revealed that monthly average revenue pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 are GHC942 million and GHC574.8 million respectively, explaining that the conclusions drawn from these figures by sections of the media are based on “stretched targets” that are provided to all offices including the Tema Collection, to motivate staff to perform optimally.
The statement further attributed the drop in revenue for half of the year to the closure of borders from March 27, 2020, and restrictions placed on the movement of persons resulting in slow down of port-related activities.
The Ghana Revenue Authority reinforced its commitment to executing its core mandate of mobilizing revenue for national development. The agency further hinted on strategic measures to be implemented to help achieve revenue targets for 2020.
Full Press Statement here