The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has endorsed the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) system at Ghana’s ports, signalling growing private sector confidence in digital reforms aimed at boosting revenue mobilisation and improving trade efficiency.
AGI President, Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, said the Association supports the initiative and is ready to collaborate with government to strengthen domestic revenue generation for national development.
He explained that the engagement between industry players and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was intended to clarify concerns and improve understanding of the system among manufacturers and importers.
According to him, the discussions helped address initial uncertainty surrounding the AI platform and reassured stakeholders about its role in promoting fairness and consistency in customs valuation.
Dr Nsiah-Poku noted that AGI’s main concern had been the accuracy of goods valuation and the responsiveness of the system in resolving disputes.
He said the GRA had assured stakeholders that complaints would be addressed within 48 hours, a move expected to enhance confidence in the system.
He emphasised that with about 80 per cent of AGI members operating in the manufacturing sector, the Association remains committed to supporting reforms that eliminate inefficiencies and distortions within the port system.
From a revenue and policy perspective, GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong described the AI system as a key tool in tackling under-declaration and revenue leakages in port operations.
He explained that the system complements existing customs processes by introducing automated and standardised valuation, reducing reliance on human discretion and improving transparency.
According to him, the system has significantly improved operational efficiency, cutting document review times from about two hours to just five minutes, while accelerating cargo clearance.
Mr Sarpong also revealed that the system has already delivered strong fiscal results, helping to identify an estimated GH¢11 billion in previously uncollected revenue.
He acknowledged that the rollout has generated mixed reactions among freight forwarders and some industry players but stressed that the objective is to streamline port operations and enhance compliance.
To address concerns, the GRA has established an appeal mechanism and set up a joint technical committee with AGI to resolve operational challenges and improve implementation.
Some stakeholders raised concerns about high import duties during the engagement, but authorities assured them that these issues would be addressed through ongoing dialogue.
The rollout of the AI-driven system represents a significant step in Ghana’s digitalisation drive, with potential to strengthen revenue assurance, improve trade facilitation, and boost investor confidence in the country’s port operations.
