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  The Dark Side of ICUMS: Unpacking the Controversy Surrounding Ghana's Trade Infrastructure Ghana's Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) has been shrouded in controversy since its rollout in 2020. Despite its intended purpose of optimizing trade and increasing national revenue, the system has been plagued by allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. A Troubled Implementation The ICUMS rollout was marred by significant concerns, culminating in a decision note from the Economic Management Team (EMT) in December 2018. Led by the then Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the EMT required the implementation of a fully tested end-to-end system backed by independent stress tests and a transparent roadmap. However, these conditions were largely ignored, and the system was launched without the necessary audit to confirm its reliability. Privatization of Trade Infrastructure Our assessment reveals that ICUMS was not introduced to optimize trade or ...

In a press meeting. Source Anita Mensah Rastafari Council of Ghana Pushes for Full Cannabis Legalization, Cites Health and Economic Gains  The Rastafari Council of Ghana (RCG) is urging government to fully legalize cannabis cultivation, arguing that large-scale production would deliver greater health benefits than cigarettes and alcohol while boosting jobs and foreign exchange earnings. Speaking to journalists at the Ghana International Press Centre, RCG President Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, also known as Daddy Bosco, said cigarettes and alcohol pose greater risks to individuals and society than cannabis due to higher toxicity, addiction potential, and links to violent behaviour. He noted that fatal cannabis overdose is rare or impossible, whereas excessive alcohol consumption can cause death. 29ba Ocansey added that cannabis matures in just 3 to 6 months from germination to harvest, making it a viable cash crop for farmers. The call comes as RCG marks its 5th conference in 2026, bringing...