Ghana’s importers and exporters are adjusting to a new trade regime as the rollout of the Publican AI system begins to reshape cost structures and valuation processes at the country’s ports, with industry players now offering cautious support for the reform.
The artificial intelligence-driven platform, deployed by the Ghana Revenue Authority, is designed to enhance customs valuation by comparing declared prices of goods with global benchmarks.
While the system aims to curb under-invoicing and boost revenue, it has also triggered concerns over rising import duties and pricing pressures across the economy.
At the centre of the debate is the system’s ability to adjust declared values upward, leading to higher taxes and increased clearance costs.
Traders say these additional costs are already feeding into market prices, with potential implications for inflation and consumer spending.
“Once the value goes up, everything goes up duty, VAT, and final selling price,” a clearing agent at Tema Port said, highlighting the immediate business impact.
However, in a significant development, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has formally endorsed the implementation of the system, signalling growing industry alignment with the government’s digital trade agenda.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association clarified that earlier reservations about the system were based on concerns over stakeholder consultation, data security, transparency, and system integration.
According to the Association, those concerns have since been addressed following extensive engagements between the government, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
“As a result of these consultations and the good faith shown by the government, the IEAG wishes to state unequivocally that it supports the Publican AI System,” the statement noted.
The endorsement marks a shift from initial resistance and provides a measure of confidence for policymakers pushing to modernise Ghana’s trade facilitation systems.
Despite the support, the Association acknowledged that the rollout phase has been marked by operational challenges, including system delays and valuation disputes. It noted, however, that such difficulties are typical of major technological reforms and commended authorities for ongoing efforts to stabilise the system.
From a business perspective, the system introduces both risks and opportunities. While stricter valuation may increase short-term costs for importers, it is also expected to promote fairness by eliminating under-declaration and creating a more level playing field for traders.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana highlighted potential long-term gains, including improved revenue mobilisation, enhanced transparency, and a reduction in unethical practices at the ports.
Economists say these reforms could strengthen Ghana’s fiscal position while improving efficiency in cargo clearance. By automating risk assessment and reducing human intervention, Publican AI is expected to cut down clearance times and lower transaction costs over time.
However, analysts caution that the success of the system will depend on maintaining a balance between revenue generation and trade facilitation.
There is a fine line between revenue assurance and trade efficiency, an economist said. “If implementation challenges persist or costs rise excessively, it could affect business activity and supply chains.”
The Association has also cautioned against misinformation, warning that attempts to portray it as opposing the system are based on outdated positions and undermine ongoing reform efforts.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies that improve port efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks, and promote a competitive trading environment, urging stakeholders to back the successful implementation of the system.
As Ghana deepens its push toward digitalising trade and strengthening revenue collection, Publican AI is emerging as a critical policy tool, one that is already influencing pricing dynamics while gradually winning industry support.
