Ghana has brought in a smart computer system called the Publican AI System to help check goods coming into the country.
It’s being used by the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance.
Why The Government Brought It
Government says:
“People are cheating us big time.”
Between 2020–2025
- Goods worth $127 billion came into Ghana
- But only $52 billion was declared
That means:
People were lying about prices to pay less tax.
What the AI system does
Think of it like a very strict teacher:
- It checks the real price of goods worldwide
- It compares what importers declare
- If you lie, it corrects you instantly
And Now:
Customs officers MUST follow what the AI says
They can’t reduce the value below the AI’s figure
It Works Alongside the Old System:
- Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS)
Why traders are angry
Now this is where the problem comes in…
- “We don’t understand the system”
Traders are saying:
- “This AI just brings numbers from somewhere… we don’t know how.”
- They can’t predict costs before importing
- Makes business planning difficult
- Big stress to complain
Before:
You could complain at the port (Tema, Takoradi, etc.)
Now:
You must go to Accra to a central office
And they meet only twice a week
So:
More delays
More transport costs
Slower clearing of goods
3. It’s affecting some sectors
Farmers’ groups say: Farm inputs could become expensive
Car importers say: AI can’t understand complex deals like humans
4. Contract concerns
A company called Truedare Investment Limited is involved.
Some people (including politicians) are asking: “Show us the contract details!”
Government hasn’t fully opened it.
Some groups have even gone to court.
So what’s really going on
Government side:
- Stop cheating
- Increase revenue
- Modernise ports
Business side:
- System is too rigid
- Not transparent
- Causing delays and cost
Bottom line
- The idea is good (use tech to stop corruption)
- But the way it’s being used is causing problems
So right now:
Ghana is trying to balance making more money for the country vs not frustrating businesses.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com