Accra: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies has significantly improved the speed, accuracy, and transparency of vehicle valuation in Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has said.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Michael Adu Manu, Senior Revenue Officer at the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB), Vehicle Valuation Unit, stated that technology had reduced the time required to determine vehicle values and minimized human discretion in the valuation process. Speaking at a media forum on vehicle valuation powered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Manu highlighted how AI-enabled systems now allow Customs officers to retrieve vehicle specifications, values, and classifications within seconds, eliminating lengthy manual searches.
Mr. Manu explained that the technology facilitates the identification of the correct make, model, engine capacity, and other specifications necessary to determine the appropriate customs value and duties. This technological advancement ensures a more efficient and precise valuation process.
Mr. David Agyakwa Mensah, another Senior Revenue Officer at the CTSB Vehicle Valuation Unit, added that digital systems have also reduced face-to-face interactions between importers and Customs officers, thereby minimizing opportunities for bias. He emphasized that Customs relies on internationally recognized valuation databases, including NADA for vehicles imported from the United States and Canada, and Eurotax for vehicles imported from Europe.
Mr. Mensah pointed out that every valuation undergoes supervisory review, and importers dissatisfied with an assessment have the option to seek redress through an independent appeals process. He noted that these measures ensure fair treatment of importers while safeguarding government revenue through transparent valuation procedures.