Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has expressed deep concern over significant revenue losses due to smuggling at Tema Port, Ghana’s busiest port, and warned he may relocate his office there to tackle the issue directly.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on July 25, 2025, Dr. Forson highlighted intelligence reports revealing widespread smuggling, particularly of goods diverted through Togo’s ports, bypassing Ghana’s tax and customs processes.
“This smuggling not only takes away our revenue but also employment from Ghanaians,” he stated, emphasizing its threat to economic recovery and legitimate businesses.
During the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on July 24, 2025, he reported a GH¢1.6 billion customs revenue shortfall for the first half of 2025, attributing it to systemic leakages at Tema Port and smuggling across land borders.
To address this, Dr. Forson announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) at ports to reduce human interference, improve customs accuracy, and validate import details.
Additional measures include an advanced cargo information system for pre-arrival risk assessments, a nationwide anti-smuggling surveillance program, and a review of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division to enhance accountability.
He stressed that failure to curb these illicit activities could cripple Ghana’s revenue base, undermining fiscal targets and economic stability.
