The GRA Publican AI system has helped drive Ghana Revenue Authority customs collections to GH¢6.1 billion in July 2026, up sharply from the roughly GH¢4 billion monthly average recorded before the artificial intelligence powered customs reforms.
GRA Commissioner General Anthony Sarpong said the increase reflected gains from the full implementation of Publican AI, which began in April as part of efforts to improve the valuation of imported goods and strengthen revenue mobilisation.
Customs collections climb
Speaking when the GRA Board and Management paid a courtesy call on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, Dr Sarpong said the improvement had been building steadily since the system was fully deployed.
Customs revenue reached GH¢5.5 billion in June, before climbing further to GH¢6.1 billion in July.
“The full implementation started in April 2026,” Dr Sarpong said, explaining that the reforms had added between GH¢1.3 billion and GH¢1.5 billion to monthly collections compared with the period before implementation.
“So that means before the implementation, we were collecting about GH¢4 billion a month. As of June, we were collecting GH¢5.5 billion.
"In the month of July, we collected GH¢6.1 billion, which means that our customs reforms are working.” - Dr Sarpong
The Commissioner General credited importers, the wider business community and GRA staff for cooperating with the changes.
Publican AI forms part of broader customs reforms designed to improve how imported goods are assessed, an area that directly affects the amount of duty and related taxes collected at the country's ports.
GRA prepares new VAT reforms
The Authority is also turning its attention to VAT compliance.
Dr Sarpong said only about four out of every 10 businesses currently pay VAT, leaving a significant compliance gap.
He explained that some businesses may fail to charge the tax, while others collect it but do not remit it to the state.
Parliament has approved a project that would allow government to require the installation of devices at shops and service points to strengthen VAT administration.
“That is going to be a game changer in our VAT administration,” he said.
The GRA plans extensive engagement with businesses and the public before the new system is introduced.
Taxpayer reward scheme in the works
The Authority is also considering a reward programme aimed at encouraging consumers to demand VAT receipts when they make purchases.
Under the proposed scheme, customers who collect VAT receipts could become eligible for rewards from the GRA or government.
The Commissioner General said details of the programme would be announced later.
The latest customs figures give the GRA a strong early indication that its technology driven reforms can raise collections. The bigger test will be whether those gains can be sustained while the Authority tackles the much wider challenge of VAT compliance across the economy.
Dr Sarpong also thanked the Asantehene and traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region for supporting revenue mobilisation efforts and helping create an environment in which GRA officers can carry out their duties.
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