Ghana is witnessing a significant boost in revenue mobilisation following the deployment of the Publican AI Ghana system, with daily gains exceeding $3 million, according to Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority disclosed the figures during an interview on The Point of View, highlighting the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on customs operations.
The Publican AI system, introduced to modernise port operations, is designed to improve the accuracy of import declarations and reduce revenue leakages. According to Mr Sarpong, early data suggests that the system is already delivering measurable results.
“Since the commencement of Publican AI… about 75% [of declarations] Publican says is generally okay. About 25%… Publican says let’s watch it,” he explained.
Within this framework, the system has identified discrepancies that previously went unnoticed, leading to an “average uptick of revenue potential… of about $3 million a day.”
Potential for $1 Billion Monthly Gains
Beyond daily gains, the GRA projects that sustained implementation of the system could yield substantial monthly revenue increases. Mr Sarpong indicated that full deployment could translate into nearly $1 billion in additional revenue each month.
“That translates to almost $1 billion a month,” he stated, adding that February’s rollout did not capture the system’s full potential as it was not operational from the start of the month.
He noted that even during its initial phase, the system consistently provided accurate valuation benchmarks for import declarations, suggesting that actual gains could be even higher.
Insights generated by Publican AI point to longstanding inefficiencies in manual valuation processes, which relied heavily on human discretion. These gaps, the GRA believes, contributed to significant revenue losses over time.
The AI-driven approach is expected to enhance transparency, minimise under-declaration, and improve compliance across Ghana’s ports.
Mixed Reactions from Industry Players
Despite its benefits, the system’s introduction has sparked mixed reactions within the shipping and logistics sector.
While authorities argue that it will streamline operations and reduce clearance delays, some freight forwarders have raised concerns about its operational impact.
The GRA maintains that the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and accountability will outweigh initial challenges, positioning Publican AI as a key tool in Ghana’s broader revenue mobilisation strategy.
As implementation deepens, the system is expected to play a central role in strengthening public finances and supporting economic stability.
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