The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Sarpong, has defended the authority’s newly introduced AI-powered customs valuation system, known as Publican AI, citing major improvements in efficiency at the country’s ports.
According to Mr. Sarpong, the system has reduced customs processing time from about two hours to just five minutes.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV with host Moro Awudu, he explained that the technology has transformed how customs valuation is conducted.
“Previously, it takes our officers not less than two hours. But in this particular case… in five minutes, it generates a report for the officer,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong clarified that the system does not replace human decision-making but rather supports customs officers with accurate, data-driven insights.
“What the AI Publican does is not arbitrary as it is being claimed. It looks at the declaration by the importer, checks global and historical data, and provides a valuation range,” he noted.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation while safeguarding government revenue.
“So this is the kind of efficiency we are talking about — to facilitate trade and ensure government gets its taxes,” he added.
The introduction of Publican AI marks a significant step in the digital transformation of Ghana’s customs operations, with authorities hopeful it will reduce delays, curb under-declaration, and improve compliance within the import sector.
