The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Sarpong, has defended the use of artificial intelligence in customs valuation, insisting that the system enhances transparency and accuracy in revenue collection.
Addressing concerns about the credibility of AI-driven decisions, Mr. Sarpong maintained that the system relies on verified international trade data to guide assessments.
“You can’t challenge it because it’s what the AI says. What the AI generates is what customs officers are going to base their decisions on,” he stated.
He explained that the system cross-checks import declarations against global pricing databases to determine fair values.
“For example, if someone declares that they bought a chair for GH¢100, the AI reviews similar transactions worldwide — the lowest, highest, and average prices — before making an assessment,” he noted.
According to him, importers whose declared prices fall outside expected ranges are required to provide supporting documentation, such as contracts or proof of payment.
“If the AI has never seen that item at GH¢20 when the range is GH¢50 to GH¢150, then we ask for evidence. That is fairness and transparency,” he added.
Mr. Sarpong emphasised that the system is designed to strike a balance between protecting government revenue and ensuring fair treatment of importers.
The introduction of AI into customs processes forms part of broader efforts by the Ghana Revenue Authority to improve efficiency, reduce under-declaration, and strengthen compliance within the trade sector.
