The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has held a high-level stakeholder engagement with Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, to discuss the rollout of the Publican AI system and its implications for industry. The meeting, held at Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, brought together over 60 industry players, including manufacturers, importers, and SMEs.
The session provided a critical platform for private sector actors to engage directly with GRA officials on key concerns related to valuation, classification, and cargo clearance processes under the newly introduced AI-powered system at the ports.
In his remarks, AGI President, Kofi Nsiah-Poku, reaffirmed the Association’s support for policies and programmes that enhance industrial efficiency and address challenges such as under-invoicing, smuggling, and revenue leakages. He, however, emphasized the importance of deeper stakeholder consultation prior to implementation to ensure accuracy, fairness, and industry alignment. He cautioned that reliance on global average pricing, rather than country-specific data, could result in inflated valuations and increased operational costs for businesses.
Responding to concerns, the Commissioner-General explained that the Publican AI system is designed to complement the work of customs officers by reducing human discretion, strengthening compliance, and promoting transparency. He noted that the system is capable of analysing declarations within minutes, flagging potential discrepancies while maintaining provisions for review and appeal.
According to him, approximately 75% of declarations processed through the system show no discrepancies, with only a minority requiring further scrutiny as part of ongoing efforts to enhance revenue mobilization and ensure a level playing field for businesses.
During the interactive session, participants raised issues relating to valuation inconsistencies, cost predictability, and delays in the appeals process. In response, GRA assured stakeholders of continuous system improvements, including a commitment to resolving appeals within 48 hours and strengthening engagement through dedicated technical committees.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment between AGI and GRA to deepen collaboration and ensure that the implementation of the Publican AI system supports both efficient revenue generation and sustainable industrial growth.
#AGI #GRA #PublicanAI #TradeFacilitation
