Accra:Jakarta The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) reported that its artificial intelligence system significantly increased customs revenue by GHS1 billion in April 2026. This was achieved by enhancing the detection of underdeclaration of imported goods and preventing revenue losses.
According to Ghana Web, the Publican AI system aids customs officers in identifying discrepancies between values declared by importers and data from international databases and past transactions. Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Adviser to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, highlighted the system's role in improving the detection of suspicious transactions before goods are released.
The Publican AI, introduced in late 2025, works within the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). It evaluates import declarations against historical trade data, international prices, and electronic invoices, flagging transactions that may need further scrutiny. This technology is anticipated to reduce revenue leakages by ensuring the accurate valuation of imports, crucial for both businesses and government revenue.
Appau-Klu noted that the benefits of digital tax administration are evident in the overall revenue performance, with GRA revenue rising from GHS153 billion in 2024 to GHS182 billion in 2025. Customs played a significant role in this increase, and the authority aims for GHS310 billion by 2028.
While the AI system enhances customs operations, Appau-Klu emphasized that it is meant to support, not replace, human officers. Officers retain the ability to review and override system alerts, and taxpayers have the right to appeal, ensuring fairness in the tax process.
Additionally, Appau-Klu stressed the importance of making tax payment easier, especially for businesses in the informal sector. She advocated for stronger data systems and staff training to further improve revenue collection.
She said formal businesses could use the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) system, while informal operators could access the Modified Taxation Scheme through the *880# USSD platform and mobile money services. The scheme applies a flat three per cent tax.