Clearing agents at the Tema Port say persistent internet and banking system disruptions are delaying customs duty payments and slowing the clearance of imported goods.

The agents say the problem, which began last Friday, has created significant bottlenecks in port operations, leaving importers and their representatives frustrated.

According to some clearing agents who spoke to Asaase News, intermittent internet connectivity and failures on banking platforms are preventing them from making and confirming duty payments.

One agent questioned the lack of communication about the disruption.

“If they want to stop ICUMS, they should just let us know. This started last Friday and nobody has told us anything. If there is a problem, they should announce it so importers will not keep putting pressure on us.”

“The banks that have access to duty payments should tell us whether Ghana.gov is working. The inconvenience is huge.”

The agents said the delays could have serious financial consequences for importers because fluctuations in the exchange rate can increase the cost of goods while they remain at the port.

“When the exchange rate changes, it takes a huge toll on us,” another agent said, adding that even after securing the necessary clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the system was still preventing the process from being completed.

“I have my EPA clearance now, but the system is not working. This is serious,” the agent said.

The clearing agents are appealing to banks and relevant port authorities to urgently resolve the system and connectivity problems and provide clear communication to users whenever disruptions occur.

They are also calling for closer coordination among banks, customs authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that duty payments can be processed without interruption.

The agents warn that continued disruptions could further delay cargo clearance and increase costs for importers already dealing with exchange-rate uncertainties.

They want the relevant institutions to act quickly to restore the payment systems and prevent similar disruptions from recurring at the Tema Port.

Reprting By James Kporsu, Asaase News, Tema