Importers and Exporters Association says AI-powered valuation is improving transparency and revenue mobilisation, but calls for faster appeals and continued system refinement
ACCRA, GHANA — The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has reaffirmed its support for the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution, five months after the system became fully operational at Ghana’s ports.
In a press statement issued on 27 August 2026, the Association said its assessment of the system was based on the practical experiences of its members since the rollout on 12 March 2026.
IEAG said that while it initially raised concerns about stakeholder engagement, transparency, data integrity, system integration and operational readiness, subsequent engagements with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) addressed many of those concerns.
The Association subsequently supported the implementation after becoming convinced that the objectives of the reform were in the national interest.
According to IEAG, one of the key benefits of the Publican AI system is its potential to reduce subjectivity in customs valuation.
The Association noted that genuine importers have historically faced perceptions of deliberate under-declaration, while inconsistencies in customs valuation could create uncertainty and disputes for compliant businesses.
IEAG said an AI-powered valuation system can help replace subjective assessments with a technology-driven process using verified trade data, global price intelligence and risk indicators.
The Association also believes the system can help address revenue leakages associated with under-valuation, misclassification, false declarations and excessive human discretion.
It further highlighted the system's risk-management capability, which enables customs officials to identify potentially high-risk consignments for further review while facilitating legitimate trade.
IEAG cited figures contained in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by the Minister for Finance as evidence of significant gains since the introduction of Publican AI.
Between the pilot phase and the rollout period ending 17 July 2026, the Association said the system had:
IEAG said the figures demonstrate the potential for technology-driven reforms to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation without introducing new taxes.
The Association congratulated the Government, Ministry of Finance, GRA and Customs officers involved in the implementation.
Despite its overall support, IEAG said the Publican AI system still faces implementation challenges that require attention.
A major concern is the appeals process for importers who dispute valuation assessments.
The Association said some importers continue to experience delays in the review and resolution of valuation disputes, which can result in demurrage and other business disruptions.
IEAG is therefore calling for a faster, transparent and time-bound appeals process.
The Association also raised concerns about fluctuations in duty assessments for similar consignments imported at different times and called for continuous calibration of the valuation database to improve consistency and accuracy.
It further recommended regular engagement between Government, GRA, Customs, freight forwarders, shipping stakeholders and the trading community.
IEAG has also urged importers to independently verify duty assessments communicated to them by freight forwarders and clearing agents.
The Association said it had received complaints suggesting that some agents may be using misunderstandings surrounding Publican AI to quote exaggerated customs charges to importers.
IEAG stressed that a high duty assessment should not automatically be attributed to Publican AI.
Importers, it said, should demand proper documentation, seek clarification where necessary and contact the Association for independent guidance before making payments when they have concerns.
To strengthen the system, the Association has called on Government to continue investing in software improvements and data refinement.
Other recommendations include strengthening the Appeals Secretariat, deepening stakeholder engagement, integrating additional international pricing databases, regularly publishing implementation performance reports and continuing to use technology to reduce opportunities for corruption, revenue leakages and arbitrary customs valuation.
IEAG said its support for Publican AI remains part of its broader commitment to reforms that promote transparency, revenue mobilisation and trade facilitation.
The Association, however, stressed that the success of customs reforms must be complemented by efficient port infrastructure, reliable digital systems, enhanced security and effective engagement with stakeholders.
“An efficient port system must not only protect national revenue but also reduce the cost of doing business, facilitate the smooth movement of goods, enhance investor confidence and support economic growth,” the Association said in its concluding message.
Source: Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Press Statement dated 27 August 2026.
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