Prosper AGBENYEGA
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has endorsed the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution, describing its performance during the first five months of implementation as a positive step towards improving customs valuation and domestic revenue mobilisation.
The system became fully operational at Ghana’s ports on March 12, 2026, following engagements between the IEAG, the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over concerns relating to stakeholder engagement, transparency, data integrity, system integration and operational readiness.
Addressing the media yesterday, Samson Asaki Awingobit, President of IEAG noted that data cited in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review showed that between the pilot phase and July 17, 2026, Publican AI had contributed to an increase of more than US$300 million in assessed customs collections, representing a 17.5 percent increase over values originally declared by importers.
The Association said approximately 366,000 import declarations had been analysed, with about 24 percent triggering valuation risk indicators for further review. In March alone, assessed customs collections reportedly increased by about US$73.44 million, representing a 25.7 percent uplift.
The IEAG said the technology was helping reduce human discretion in customs valuation and improve consistency in the assessment of similar consignments.
It, however, cautioned that the system still faces implementation challenges, including delays in resolving valuation disputes, fluctuations in duty assessments and the need for continuous stakeholder engagement and capacity building.
The Association called for a faster and time-bound appeals process to prevent unnecessary demurrage and business disruptions. It also urged the government to continuously calibrate the valuation database and strengthen training for Customs officers, freight forwarders and clearing agents.
The IEAG further noted that importers whose consignments are considered overvalued can seek a review by presenting documents such as commercial invoices, sales contracts, proof of payment and bills of lading.
It said Customs had demonstrated willingness to reassess valuations where submitted documents satisfactorily establish the actual transaction value, describing the development as an improvement over previous arrangements.
IEAG raises concern over Tema Port congestion
Beyond Publican AI, the Association raised concerns about persistent container congestion at the Tema Port, saying the situation was contributing significantly to vehicular and trade traffic within the port enclave and adjoining areas.
The IEAG appealed to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to consider not renewing selected leases where appropriate and instead use some of the spaces for additional modern container terminal facilities.
According to the Association, increased capacity would complement existing facilities at the main port and Terminal Three, improve cargo handling efficiency and facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles.
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 appealed to the Transport Minister to convene an urgent meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Call for stronger security at ports
The IEAG also called on the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security within the port enclave to support the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
The Association said the call followed a recent isolated attack on some transporters and individuals offloading cargo at the port.
It urged security agencies to increase patrols, surveillance and rapid-response measures to protect traders, transporters, workers and other port users.
GRA urged to fix digital payment disruptions
The Association further urged the GRA to improve the resilience of its digital services and payment platforms after a reported breakdown of government digital services, including the Ghana.gov platform, at the port.
The IEAG said the disruption, which reportedly lasted about a week, resulted in significant time and financial losses for businesses operating at the port.
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 also announced its support for the Ghana Standards Authority’s planned implementation of the Pre-Shipment Inspection and Vehicle Age Verification (PVoC) programme for imported used vehicles from October 1.
The Association said the programme would help prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe vehicles, improve traceability and address concerns involving stolen and accident-damaged vehicles.
It urged its members to embrace the new system and commended the GSA for engaging industry stakeholders ahead of its implementation.
Commends GoldBod, BoG and Ghana Link
The IEAG also commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for what it described as their contribution to economic and business stability, particularly through measures supporting the foreign exchange market.
The Association said relative stability in the foreign exchange market had provided greater predictability for importers and exporters and helped businesses plan international transactions with greater confidence.
It also praised Ghana Link for improvements in the performance of its Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), saying there had been little or no major complaints about port clearance through the platform since the beginning of the year.
The Association attributed the improvement to enhanced technical services and interventions by the company.
The IEAG said the gains from Publican AI must be complemented 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 sustaining reforms aimed at making Ghana’s ports more competitive, secure and business-friendly.