IEAG advises due diligence ahead of AI-Driven port reforms

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for transparency, due diligence, and broad stakeholder engagement in the planned introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system at the country’s ports. The association warned that any modernisation of port operations must be secure, transparent, and aligned with existing national trade systems.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on December 18, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit expressed support for technological innovation at the ports but stressed that reforms must protect data sovereignty, safeguard revenue, and avoid duplication of existing platforms, particularly the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

“We have serious concerns about the planned introduction of an AI-driven port system and the reported award of a contract to Truedare Investments Limited, a Cyprus-registered company,” Asaki said. “Public records show no evidence of the company’s prior experience in port automation or AI systems. More importantly, there has been no clear explanation of how the platform will integrate with ICUMS or what safeguards will protect Ghana’s trade data.”

He emphasised that ICUMS, which hosts all customs declarations, trade values, cargo manifests, and revenue records, is a strategic national asset. “Allowing a foreign private entity without a proven track record to rely heavily on this data could expose the country to serious risks, including loss of data control, cybersecurity threats, system duplication, revenue leakage, and higher costs for traders,” he warned.

According to Asaki, any technological reforms at the ports must be preceded by transparent stakeholder consultations, strong data protection measures, and deliberate efforts to build local technical capacity within Customs and port institutions.

Reviewing port operations in 2025, IEAG noted that Customs revenue had improved, reflecting stronger trade facilitation and system performance. Customs revenue rose to about US$3.18 billion as of September 2025, compared to approximately US$3.11 billion during the same period in 2024.

The association acknowledged that the ICUMS platform experienced intermittent technical challenges during the year, which affected operational stability for traders. However, these issues were addressed through collaboration with stakeholders and the system operator, including the establishment of a new central data workspace to strengthen resilience and service delivery.

IEAG also highlighted reforms such as 24-hour terminal operations at Tema Port, which have increased cargo handling capacity and throughput, enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub and easing clearance processes for importers and exporters.

Placing port performance in a broader economic context, the association commended government measures aimed at easing the cost of doing business, including the removal of the COVID-19 health recovery levy and adjustments to the value-added tax rate under the 2026 tax reforms. These actions, it said, will reduce financial pressure on traders and boost confidence in the nation’s ports.

The association further pointed to improved macroeconomic indicators, including the relative stability of the cedi, which strengthened to about GH¢11.48 to the US dollar by mid-December 2025, down from levels above GH¢15 earlier in the year. This, according to IEAG, has reduced foreign exchange costs for importers relying on dollar-denominated freight and port charges.

Inflation and interest rates have also improved, with headline inflation declining significantly by November 2025 and the Bank of Ghana reducing its policy rate, creating a more predictable environment for trade and investment.

Despite the positive outlook, IEAG urged the government to maintain policy support, particularly by improving access to foreign exchange for traders, introducing targeted measures to shield local businesses from external shocks, and deepening reforms to make Ghana’s ports more competitive within the West African sub-region.

The association reaffirmed its support for reforms that strengthen trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation while calling for caution and inclusiveness in decisions affecting critical national trade infrastructure. It pledged continued collaboration with government to safeguard the efficiency, security, and global competitiveness of the country’s port sector.