Ghana Link Denies ICUMS Role in Reported Fuel Shortages
Ghana Link Network Services Limited has denied claims that its Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is responsible for the recent fuel supply challenges reported by some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The company issued the clarification after statements by some OMCs suggested that difficulties with the ICUMS platform had prevented them from clearing petroleum products at the country’s ports. State-owned GOIL PLC and private operator Star Oil Ghana had earlier indicated that technical issues with the system were affecting the processing of tax liabilities and delaying the lifting of fuel from depots.
However, Ghana Link insists that the ICUMS platform has remained fully functional and has not experienced any system outage during the period in question.
In a statement the company described reports circulating in both traditional and social media that the platform had been down since March 6 as inaccurate and misleading.
According to Ghana Link, all transactions and stakeholder activities on the system continued without interruption. The company noted that the platform, which plays a key role in facilitating customs processes and trade operations, has been operating normally.
Following the reports, Ghana Link said it conducted internal monitoring and engaged relevant stakeholders to verify the source of the operational challenges cited by the oil marketing companies. Through consultations with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the company indicated that the issue was not linked to the ICUMS platform.
Instead, it said the technical difficulty was traced to the Enterprise Relational Database Management System used by the NPA. Ghana Link therefore maintains that its system should not be blamed for the fuel supply disruptions reported by some companies.
The firm also expressed concern that the allegations could mislead the public and damage confidence in a critical national trade facilitation platform.
As a result, Ghana Link has called on Star Oil Ghana to withdraw its earlier statement that linked the shortages to the ICUMS platform. The company further urged the firm to issue a public apology for what it described as the spread of false and unverified information. Ghana Link emphasised its commitment to maintaining a reliable system that supports smooth trade operations and customs processes across the country.
