The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has unveiled plans to implement a series of reforms aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in customs operations, while modernizing its workforce to better support trade and revenue mobilization.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong acknowledged that delays in classifying and valuing imports have long slowed down the customs process. Currently, much of this work is manual, prone to errors, and sometimes influenced by discretionary judgment, which can result in inefficiencies and revenue losses. To tackle this, GRA plans to deploy artificial intelligence tools that will speed up classification, improve accuracy, and allow comparisons between human and machine assessments, ensuring a more transparent and efficient process.
Disputes over cargo and the country of origin have also been a major hurdle, contributing to delays in clearance and disagreements between importers and authorities. In response, the Authority is preparing to introduce advanced cargo information systems that will provide detailed pre-arrival manifests at least 24 hours before shipments arrive. By giving customs officers early visibility of incoming goods, these systems are expected to reduce disputes, streamline clearance, and enhance predictability for traders.
Smuggling remains another key challenge, undermining revenue and threatening local businesses by flooding the market with unregulated products that distort prices and jeopardize jobs. To address this, GRA plans to deploy wide-area satellite technology to monitor border points and seashores, complemented by strengthened human resources on the ground. This approach aims to curb illegal imports, protect domestic industries, and ensure that Ghanaian businesses remain competitive.
Beyond technological solutions, Commissioner-General Sarpong emphasized the importance of human resource restructuring as part of the reforms. Staff rotations every two to four years will ensure that the right personnel are in the right positions, maintain operational efficiency, reduce complacency, and support the successful implementation of modernization initiatives.
The planned reforms, which combine advanced technology with human resource optimization, are central to GRA’s broader strategy under the 24-Hour Economy initiative. They are designed to create a more transparent, predictable, and efficient customs environment, facilitating trade, supporting industrialization, and boosting domestic revenue collection while protecting local industries and jobs.
