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Ghana Link’s ICUMS Introduce Advanced Weighbridge System at Ports

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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 multideck.

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, PR 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.

Ghana Link’s ICUMS Introduce Advanced Weighbridge System at Ports…

By
Editor
-
0

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 multideck.

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, PR 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.

Ghana pays last respect to Council of State Member, Mrs Asomah-Hinneh.

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Ghanaians have paid their last respect to Mrs Eunice Jacqueline Buah-Asomah-Hinneh former member of Council of State , who passed on June 11, 2024.
A private interment followed after the burial service.


The burial service, which took place at the forecourt of the State House, in Accra, was attended by many Statesmen, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, with their spouses, Members of Parliament and other high-ranking personalities.


Some past and present State functionaries, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the international community, the Clergy, Traditional leaders and family and friends were also present.
The late Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh was born in 1964 to Mr. Isaac K. Buah and Madam Sophia Cudjoe, both of blessed memory.


She became known as Nana Akwanzi Abraba IV after being enstooled as the Divisional Chief of Princess Town and Kyidom Hene of Ahanta Traditonal Area.
She began her professional career as a manager at her father’s Guest House in Tema before moving in 1987 to work in a variety of sectors.


Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh made investments in her business even while she was outside of Ghana, with the goal of advancing her career in business. She later returned to Ghana and founded the Labianca Company.
The staunch member of the Pentecost Church was also a philanthropist and supported the vulnerable in society in various kinds.


She was appointed a member of the Council of State in 2017, representing the Western Region, and served until her passing in 2024.
She was a dedicated Member of the New Patriotic Party, but served the country beyond party lines by promoting unity and progress for the nation.


The late Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh left behind five children and a widower, COP Nana Asomah-Hinneh (RTD).
In different tributes read by family, friends, associates, and well-wishers, Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh was described as compassionate, sympathetic, selfless, and warm-hearted.


In a tribute, COP Nana Asomah-Hinneh (RTD) described her late wife as faithful, humble, efficient, and “made everything around you beautiful.”
“When things were difficult, you were my pillar….you were my number one fun, blowing my trumpet the loudest,” he said.


The children of Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh described her as someone who exemplified grace, virtue, compassion and exceptional leadership.
The Church of Pentecost, in a tribute, said Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh was a blessing to Ghana and her generation, and extoled her commitment to the welfare of humanity.


“Mama Eunice was an epitome of selflessness, kindness and generosity, which knew no bounds. She touched the lives of people across all walks of life including the noble and the vulnerable,” the Church wrote.

NRSA engages political parties to ensure safety on road.

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The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has urged the various political parties and other stakeholders to play critical roles to help reduce road crashes as the country gears up for the general elections.
Mr Zechariah Laari, the Upper East Regional Head of the road encouraged the political parties to work with the law enforcement and road safety authorities to ensure safety on the road before, during and after the 2024 general elections.


“I encourage all political parties to work closely with law enforcement, road safety authorities, and traffic management bodies to ensure that our activities are well-regulated, and do not lead to dangerous conditions on the roads,” he added.


Mr Laari was speaking to stakeholders in Bolgatanga when the NRSA engaged political parties as part of the Authority’s efforts to promote safety and compliance on the road, to reduce crashes before, during, and after the general elections.


Statistics from the Authority revealed that the number of deaths recorded in the Upper East Region because of road crashes during electioneering years had been reducing since 2000, recording 85, 68, 59, 61 and 51 in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016, respectively.


However, the data revealed that the region recorded an increase in the road crashes deaths from 51 deaths in 2016 to 65 deaths in 2020, with motorcyclists and pedestrian knockdown recording the highest of 40 deaths representing 62 per cent and 14 deaths representing 22 per cent, respectively.


Mr Laari expressed worry about the situation and called on the stakeholders and the political parties to see road safety as a collective responsibility and work towards compliance and safety among their supporters.

“Moreover, it is a common observation that we often see campaign vehicles carrying supporters, sometimes in unsafe ways, overloaded vehicles, and people riding on top of vehicles, or hanging from the sides. This poses a grave danger not only to those involved but to everyone on the road.


“I call on all political parties to ensure that vehicles used in campaign activities comply with road safety regulations. No vehicle should be overloaded, and seat belts should be worn by all passengers. A designated person who is well versed in road safety management should be assigned to coordinate all transport arrangements,” he added.


The engagement brought together the various political parties such as the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress, People’s National Convention, and the Convention People’s Party among other stakeholders.


The stakeholders pledged their resolve to work with the law enforcement agencies and advised their members to ensure compliance and safety on the road during the election.

USA is among greatest nations for higher education- Education Minister .

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Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, has called on Ghanaian students to explore educational opportunities in the United States of America, saying “it is one of the greatest nations to have higher education.”
He said USA universities would challenge students, broaden their knowledge, and make them critical thinkers. 


Dr Adutwum said this at the opening ceremony of the Education USA College Fair in Accra, organised by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana.
The Fair featured over 50 U.S. colleges and universities and offers opportunities for Ghanaians to study in the United States.


The Fair brought together Senior High Schools in Accra to explore educational opportunities in the USA.
The Minister urged the students to take advantage of scholarship opportunities and apply to as many foundations that offer scholarships as possible.


That, he explained, would help parents who could not afford to get more resources to relieve them of the burden of United States education in terms of cost. 


Dr Adutwum was hopeful that the relationship
Ghana had developed with the embassy, would provide the opportunity to secure visas for the students to enrol in schools they yearn for.


He wished the students the best of luck and expressed confidence in them getting the opportunity to travel abroad for their higher education.


“I hope that they will come back to Ghana after their education to contribute their quota to the transformation of the country.


“American graduates return to their country, and they do some good things for Ghana and for humanity,” he said.


Ms Virginia Palmer, USA Ambassador to Ghana, said over the last year, Education USA advisors from the Accra and Kumasi-based centres had helped thousands of Ghanaian students apply for admissions across hundreds of accredited
institutions of higher learning in the United States.


She said the Education USA advisors helped Ghanaian students over the past years receive GHc 141 million in scholarships, adding that Ghana was the second in sub-Saharan Africa to get students to study in the USA.

the 14th largest in the world for graduate students going to the USA.
She said the US Embassy had increased their staff by more than 50 per cent to facilitate the visa processes and address the backlog in the system.


“I don’t want the United States to look unwelcoming. We really want Ghanaian visitors and Ghanaian students, especially, to come to the United States and study,” she said.
Education USA is a U.S. government-sponsored network of 450 centres in 170 countries around the globe, mandated to provide comprehensive, current, accurate, and impartial information on U.S. higher education.

Voters Register Audit: Police gives NDC green light to demonstrate

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has received the green light from the Police to hold a nationwide demonstration against the Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday,  September 17, 2024.

The Party said the protest would demand an independent forensic audit of the Information Technology systems of the EC to ensure that the voters’ register was robust and credible ahead of the December 7 General Election.

Some national officers of the NDC and some police officers visited the Head of Office of the EC Wednesday morning to inspect the destination point of the demonstration.

The protest is scheduled to commence at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, through to Parliament House, and end at the Head Office of the EC, where the leadership of the NDC would present a petition to the Commission.

Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary, NDC, rallied the public to join the demonstration and make a case for free and fair elections.

“The significance of this demonstration is something that is beyond the NDC. It is a critical election ahead of Ghana, and it is in everybody’s interest to ensure that the register is credible, and one that everybody will have absolute confidence in,” he said.

The EC at a press conference in Accra last Monday said it was taking steps to reverse the illegal voter transfers in the Pusiga Constituency of the Upper East Region.

The Commission said preliminary investigations established that 38 voters were transferred to the Pusiga Constituency from the Tamale South and Sagnerigu constituencies in the Northern Region without their consent.

Per Regulation 22, Sub-Regulation 1 of Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127, the Registered Voter must be physically present to request for the transfer of vote to another Polling Station.

The Commission said the transfer of vote could only be done at the District Offices and required the presence of the Voter who must be verified using either his/her face or fingerprints.

“Following this incident, the Commission has introduced a ‘liveliness check’ in the verification process, which is a feature designed to ensure that the biometric data being captured is from a live, present human being and not from a spoofed source, such as a photograph, which is what was done in this case.

“The ‘liveliness check’ has since been built into the system to prevent any such future occurrence,” Dr Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy EC Chair, in-charge of Corporate Services, said.

“Ketu South to the Rescue” campaign launched

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Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ketu South Member of Parliament and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate has launched “Ketu South to the Rescue” campaign, rallying support for the party’s victory in the December 7 elections.

This was after she successfully filed her nomination forms to re-contest the Ketu South Parliamentary seat.

Madam Gomashie, speaking to supporters who awaited her while she went through the filing process, thanked Ketu South for the love, dedication, and loyalty to the NDC.

She said as the stronghold of the party, giving them about 86,000 votes in the last elections, the party was counting on the people to get about 120,000 votes in the upcoming elections to deliver victory to the NDC to build a better Ketu South and Ghana.

“Our Flagbearer, President John Dramani Mahama, sends his warmest greetings to you all. He says I should tell you that he is counting on you to turn up on December 7, to vote for him to rescue Ghana from the inept and comatose government of the current administration.”

Madam Gomashie wanted the people to remember how much they bought a ball of kenkey, a cup of beans, a small packet of sanitary pad, and prices of electricity consumption under his tenure as compared to the prevailing prices under the current administration, when they go to the polls in December.

Madam Gomashie and her team later took the campaign out with a ride through the principal streets to the Aflao Border waving at scores of people along the streets in return for big cheers.

She rounded the day’s activities by knocking on a couple of doors to take the message of rescuing and resetting Ghana to the occupants and attempting to recruit them to also take the message to others for NDC’s 2024 victory.

Obuasi: NPP, NDC preach peace ahead of 2024 elections

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Ahead of the 2024 general election, political parties in the Obuasi East constituency have been preaching peace and promising to contribute to a free and fair election.

Speaking to the media at the end of a ceremony to outdoor members of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) in the Obuasi East district, representatives of the two major political parties assured their commitment to a peaceful election.

Hajia Alematu Abdul Malik, the Obuasi East Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said the party had demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that it was committed to upholding the existing peace in the country.

She said it was imperative to preserve the peace the country was enjoying.

“We are a peaceful country, and the impending elections is for the country to prove that it is the beacon of democracy in Africa and a test case as a peace-loving people,” she said.

Her counterpart in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Cynthia Peprah said she was convinced that the elections would be peaceful, free, and fair after listening to representatives of the Ghana Police Service and the Electoral Commission.

She urged supporters of political parties to eschew all forms of violence before, during and after the general election.

The Obuasi East Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) inaugurated the IPDC, which comprised representatives of the various political parties in the constituency, security agencies, religious leaders, youth and women groups, and persons with disability.

The initiative, a brainchild of the NCCE, is funded by the European Union (EU) and the goal is to work towards averting political violence and the promotion of   peaceful elections.

Ms. Jennifer Ofori, the Obuasi East Director of the NCCE, said the committee would roll out a series of activities targeted at sustaining peace in the constituency.

She said the committee together with its stakeholders would monitor the various channels of communication to check the use of abusive words by political actors.

“We are hitting the ground running with activities lined up to ensure we have peaceful general elections.

This is only our maiden meeting, there are four meetings lined up to deliberate on the best way forward, the NCCE Director hinted.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Adam Muakalu, the Obuasi Police Commander, said elections were about decision making through the power of the thumb, and did not warrant violence.

He assured that the Police remained committed to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during and after the elections.

Mr. Albert Owusu Boakye, an official of the Electoral Commission, after taking participants through electoral processes and things to avoid, pledged the EC’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

Agbana files nomination, optimistic of securing over 95 per cent of Votes

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Eric Edem Agbana, the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ketu North, has stated that the constituency would deliver a resounding victory for the NDC, with over 95 per cent of the votes in the upcoming December 7 election.

Mr Agbana expressed this optimism after successfully filing his nomination, during a press briefing at the NDC’s constituency office.

He based his confidence on recent internal research conducted by the party, which indicated a clear advantage for the NDC over its opponent.

Initially, the party had set a target of 85% of the vote, but Agbana explained that the findings from their research led them to raise their expectations.

“We had initially aimed for 85 per cent, but our research shows that our opponent’s candidate doesn’t pose much of a challenge,” Agbana explained.

“In past elections, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, their former parliamentary candidate, performed remarkably well by narrowing the margin. If he were still contesting, we would likely get around 80 to 85 per cent, but with their current candidate, our research shows that if the vote were held today, we’d win with around 90 per cent.”

He added, “With additional hard work, we are confident of surpassing 95 per cent. We’re not just aiming for a win but a victory with a substantial margin.”

Mr Agbana emphasized that his candidacy represented not only his personal vision but also the collective hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the people of Ketu North and his campaign rooted in the desire to build a future where Ketu North becomes a symbol of progress.

He envisions a constituency where young people have access to quality education, sustainable job opportunities, and improved healthcare, and where farmers and traders are given the support, they need to thrive.

He also underscored the NDC’s legacy of being a party that delivers hope, especially in difficult times, stating that under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC would continue to address the challenges of mismanagement and neglect that have affected many Ghanaians.

“This election isn’t just about me,” Mr Agbana said.

“It’s about all of us, our shared vision, and our future. Together, we will build a Ketu North where development is driven by strong leadership and effective advocacy.”

Mr. Bismarck Adrigbatey, the Constituency Chairman, urged the media to remain credible and balanced in their reporting to help maintain peace and unity during the election period.

The nomination filing event was a grand affair, with thousands of party supporters, including motorcyclists and constituency executives, accompanying Mr Agbana to the Electoral Commission office.

Dressed in NDC colours, the enthusiastic supporters chanted party slogans and songs, expressing their commitment to retaining the Ketu North seat for the NDC.

Mr Agbana is determined to maintain the seat for the NDC, following the decision of the current MP, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, not to seek re-election after representing Ketu North for two decades.

The constituency, a long-standing NDC stronghold, will now see a contest between two new candidates after the former NPP candidate, Kofi Dzamesi, who had contested the seat for several years, also stepped down.

Afadzato South NCCE inaugurates seven-member IPDC to promote peace

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The Afadzato South District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has inaugurated a seven-member Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) to help maintain the prevailing peace in the district.

Addressing the members at Ve-Golokuati in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region, Mrs Ellen Adzo Amankwa, the District Director, NCCE, urged members to help build unassailable peaceful coexistence in the area.

She entreated them to monitor and address issues such as defacing of posters, uncontrolled behaviour, provocative and abusive campaign messages for peace to prevail.

Mrs Amankwa asked them to educate the electorate to disregard fake news as they had the potential of destabilising the peace of the district.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Godfred Wiredu, IPDC Chairman of Afadzato South, called for support from the citizens to sanctify the 2024 polls.

He advised the electorate to avoid violent acts before, during and after the polls as the long arm of the law would catch up with those trying to disturb the peace of the country.

ASP Wiredu said they were prepared and ready to ensure that Ghanaians enjoyed peace before, during and after the December 7 polls.

Rev. Fr. John Helu, the Vice-Chairman, IPDC, entreated the political party representatives to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully devoid of conflicts.

Mr Michael Owusu Amoah, the District Electoral Officer, told participants that money in the electoral process, food items, among others, influenced voters so it should be discouraged.

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