Ghana missed its customs revenue target by GH¢1.6 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by widespread smuggling and entrenched operational leakages at major entry points including the Tema Port, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has told Parliament.
The shortfall, which amounts to 12.7% below projections, poses a serious risk to the government’s overall revenue performance for the year. “These developments pose risks to the attainment of our revenue target,” Forson said, presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review. “Systemic leakages at customs and the smuggling of goods across our borders remain significant challenges.”
In response, the government is rolling out a four-part strategy aimed at tightening customs enforcement, reducing human interference in valuation processes, and modernizing oversight.
The key initiatives include the deployment of artificial intelligence tools to validate country of origin and verify the classification and valuation of imported goods, a move Forson said would minimize human discretion and improve accuracy.
An Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system will also be implemented, requiring ports and customs officials to receive detailed cargo manifests at least 24 hours before vessels depart their ports of origin. This pre-arrival data will allow for earlier risk assessments and fewer documentation changes, thereby accelerating processing and improving duty collection.
To further curb revenue losses, the government is establishing a robust anti-smuggling surveillance program targeting Ghana’s inland and maritime borders, zones identified as hotbeds for illicit trade. Forson also announced plans to review the internal structure of the Customs Division, including staff rotations and decentralization, to enhance transparency and reduce collusion.
The measures come at a time when Ghana remains under pressure to meet fiscal targets tied to its $3 billion IMF loan program. Customs duties are a critical component of the country’s domestic revenue base, and persistent underperformance could complicate fiscal consolidation efforts.
Forson emphasized that addressing these structural inefficiencies is “non-negotiable” if the government is to sustain recent macroeconomic gains and restore investor confidence.
