Omanghana
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected a record GH¢6.1 billion in customs revenue in July 2026 following the full deployment of its artificial intelligence platform, Publican AI.
GRA Commissioner-General Dr. Anthony Sarpong disclosed the figures during a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
Before the introduction of the technology, monthly customs revenue averaged about GH¢4 billion. Collections subsequently increased to GH¢5.5 billion in June before reaching the new record of GH¢6.1 billion in July.
The AI platform was integrated into the customs system at the beginning of 2026 and became fully operational in April. According to the GRA, it has since generated an additional GH¢1.3 billion to GH¢1.5 billion in monthly revenue.
Publican AI supports the assessment and valuation of import duties by analyzing customs declarations and identifying transactions that may have been undervalued or exposed to other risks.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson previously disclosed that the system had assessed approximately 366,000 import declarations. About 24% of those declarations were flagged for multiple valuation risks and subjected to further scrutiny.
The increased collections demonstrate the government’s growing reliance on technology to address revenue leakages, improve compliance and strengthen the accuracy of customs assessments.
Following the customs initiative, the GRA is preparing to expand technology-driven tax administration to the retail sector. Businesses will be required to install designated hardware capable of recording and automatically transmitting value-added tax transactions to the Authority.
The planned system is expected to provide the GRA with real-time information on taxable sales, reduce the underreporting of revenue and improve VAT compliance among retailers.
A consumer reward program will also be introduced to encourage members of the public to demand and collect valid VAT receipts after making purchases. Consumers who verify their transactions are expected to receive incentives under the initiative.
The reforms form part of broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s tax administration, increase domestic revenue and reduce the losses associated with inaccurate declarations and non-compliance.
Source: Omanghana
