Omanghana
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has endorsed the Publican Artificial Intelligence Trade Solution following its first five months of operation at the country’s ports.
The association said the technology has helped reduce customs valuation leakages and improve consistency in the assessment of imported goods.
Despite supporting the system, the IEAG urged the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority and the Ghana Revenue Authority to address container congestion, administrative delays and recurring digital service disruptions at Tema Port.
Publican AI was deployed on March 12, 2026, to automate customs valuation and limit excessive human discretion. The platform connects with international trade databases to verify the origin, classification and estimated value of imported products.
Figures contained in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review indicate that the system contributed to an increase of more than $300 million in assessed customs collections between its pilot phase and the middle of July 2026. This represented a 17.5% increase.
In March alone, assessed customs collections reportedly rose by $73.44 million, equivalent to an increase of 25.7%.
Approximately 366,000 import declarations were analyzed during the period. About 24% generated valuation risk indicators and were referred for further customs examination, while the remaining declarations were processed automatically.
IEAG said the system had significantly reduced arbitrary decisions in cargo valuation and created greater consistency in the treatment of similar consignments.
The association, however, warned that improvements in revenue mobilization must be accompanied by reforms addressing the operational challenges affecting importers and exporters.
IEAG President Samson Asaki Awingobit identified container congestion as one of the most urgent problems at Tema Port. Persistent backlogs have contributed to heavy vehicular traffic and logistics delays throughout the port enclave.
The association called on the GPHA to reconsider the renewal of leases for selected properties when they expire. It proposed converting suitable spaces into modern container-handling facilities to supplement the capacity of Terminal Three.
IEAG also raised concerns about delays experienced by importers who challenge valuations flagged by the artificial intelligence system.
It recommended the introduction of a decentralized, time-bound appeals process to ensure that disputes are resolved quickly. Prolonged delays, the association warned, expose businesses to demurrage charges and interrupt supply chains.
The GRA was further urged to improve the resilience of its digital infrastructure following a week-long disruption affecting state payment platforms, including the Ghana.gov portal.
The outage reportedly prevented businesses from completing payments and clearing goods. IEAG said backup systems and stronger digital infrastructure were necessary to reduce the risk of similar disruptions.
The association also called for increased security patrols and surveillance within the port area to protect cargo, port workers and logistics operators.
IEAG maintained that Publican AI could strengthen customs administration and government revenue. However, it stressed that the technology’s long-term success would depend on efficient dispute resolution, reliable digital services, adequate container capacity and improved security at Ghana’s ports.
Source: Omanghana
