The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has endorsed the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution, describing its first five months of operation as a positive step toward stronger customs valuation and improved domestic revenue mobilisation.
The system became fully operational at Ghana’s ports on 12 March 2026 after extensive engagements between the IEAG, the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Those discussions focused on stakeholder engagement, transparency, data integrity, system integration and operational readiness.
Speaking to the media yesterday, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit cited figures from the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. Between the pilot phase and 17 July 2026, Publican AI contributed more than US$300 million in additional assessed customs collections ,a 17.5 per cent increase over the values originally declared by importers.
Approximately 366,000 import declarations were analysed, with about 24 per cent triggering valuation risk indicators for further review. In March alone, assessed collections rose by roughly US$73.44 million, representing a 25.7 per cent uplift.
The Association noted that the technology is reducing human discretion in customs valuation and delivering greater consistency in the assessment of similar consignments.
Implementation Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the gains, the IEAG flagged ongoing challenges, including delays in resolving valuation disputes, fluctuations in duty assessments, and the need for continuous stakeholder engagement and capacity building.
It called for a faster, time-bound appeals process to prevent unnecessary demurrage and business disruptions. The Association also urged the government to keep calibrating the valuation database and to strengthen training for Customs officers, freight forwarders and clearing agents.
Importers whose consignments are deemed overvalued can request a review by submitting commercial invoices, sales contracts, proof of payment and bills of lading. The IEAG observed that Customs has shown willingness to reassess valuations when the documents satisfactorily establish the actual transaction value, an improvement over previous arrangements.
Tema Port Congestion
Beyond the AI system, the Association raised serious concerns about persistent container congestion at Tema Port. The situation is contributing significantly to vehicular and trade traffic within the port enclave and surrounding areas.
The IEAG appealed to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to consider not renewing selected leases where appropriate and to convert some of those spaces into additional modern container terminal facilities. Increased capacity would complement existing facilities at the main port and Terminal Three, improve cargo-handling efficiency and ease the movement of goods and vehicles.
Container Administrative Charges
The Association also accused some shipping lines and their agents of continuing to impose Container Administrative Charges above the approved ceiling of GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU).
It urged the Minister of Transport to convene an urgent meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
Call for Stronger Port Security
The IEAG called on the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security within the port enclave in support of the government’s 24-hour economy policy. The appeal follows a recent isolated attack on transporters and individuals offloading cargo at the port.
Security agencies were urged to increase patrols, surveillance and rapid-response measures to protect traders, transporters, workers and other port users.
Digital Payment Disruptions
The Association further urged the GRA to improve the resilience of its digital services and payment platforms following a reported breakdown of government digital services, including the Ghana.gov platform, at the port. The disruption, which lasted about a week, caused significant time and financial losses for businesses.
It called for stronger maintenance, technical support, system resilience and contingency arrangements to ensure uninterrupted customs and port-related services.
Support for Vehicle Inspection Policy
The IEAG announced its support for the Ghana Standards Authority’s planned Pre-Shipment Inspection and Vehicle Age Verification (PVoC) programme for imported used vehicles, due to take effect from 1 October. The Association said the programme would help prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe vehicles, improve traceability and address concerns about stolen and accident-damaged vehicles.
It urged members to embrace the new system and commended the GSA for engaging industry stakeholders ahead of implementation.
Commendations
The IEAG also commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana for measures that have supported relative stability in the foreign exchange market, giving importers and exporters greater predictability and confidence in planning international transactions.
It further praised Ghana Link for improvements in the performance of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), noting few major complaints about port clearance through the platform since the beginning of the year. The Association attributed the gains to enhanced technical services and interventions by the company.
Conclusion
The IEAG stressed that the benefits of Publican AI must be matched by efficient port infrastructure, reliable digital systems, enhanced security and sustained stakeholder engagement. It therefore called on the relevant authorities to urgently address container congestion, port security and digital service disruptions while continuing reforms that make Ghana’s ports more competitive, secure and business-friendly.
Story by : Akora Kofi Darko
