IEAG applauds Publican AI, raises concerns over port congestion

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) says the introduction of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution has significantly improved customs valuation and revenue mobilisation at Ghana’s ports.

The Association said the technology-driven system, which became fully operational on March 12, 2026, has helped reduce excessive human discretion in customs valuation while strengthening efforts to detect under-valuation, misclassification and false declarations.

Speaking at a press conference on August 27, 2026, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the Association’s initial concerns about the system had eased following engagements with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

According to him, the Publican AI system now uses verified trade data, global price intelligence and risk indicators to support customs valuation, replacing some of the subjective practices that previously characterised the process.

Mr Awingobit said figures contained in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review showed that the system had contributed to an increase of more than US$300 million in assessed customs collections.

He said the amount represented a 17.5 per cent increase over the values initially declared by importers.

Approximately 366,000 import declarations have reportedly been analysed, with about 24 per cent triggering valuation risk indicators and requiring further review.

In March 2026 alone, assessed customs collections increased by approximately US$73.44 million, representing a 25.7 per cent uplift, according to the Association.

The IEAG said the figures demonstrate how technology can support domestic revenue mobilisation without necessarily imposing additional taxes on businesses and individuals.

Despite its endorsement of the system, however, the Association said several challenges must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of Publican AI are sustained.

It identified delays in resolving valuation appeals, fluctuations in duty assessments for similar consignments and the need for continuous training of Customs officers, freight forwarders and clearing agents as areas requiring urgent attention.

Mr Awingobit explained that importers who believe their consignments have been overvalued have the right to request a review by submitting supporting documents, including commercial invoices, purchase orders, sales contracts, proof of payment and bills of lading.

He called on the GRA to streamline and speed up the review process to ensure legitimate importers receive timely redress while protecting government revenue.

The Association also cautioned importers to independently verify duty assessments provided by freight forwarders and clearing agents.

It said some agents could be taking advantage of misunderstandings surrounding the Publican AI system to impose inflated charges on importers.

IEAG raises concern over Tema Port congestion

Beyond customs valuation, the IEAG raised concerns about persistent container congestion at the Tema Port, saying the situation was contributing to traffic within the port enclave and surrounding areas.

The Association called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to explore the possibility of converting suitable spaces currently leased to private businesses into additional modern container terminal facilities.

According to the IEAG, expanding terminal capacity would improve cargo handling, ease congestion and facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles within and around the port.

The Association also raised concerns over reports that some shipping lines and their agents were charging above the approved ceiling for the Container Administrative Charge (CAC), which it said currently stands at GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU).

It urged the Minister of Transport to convene an urgent meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

Call for stronger port security

The IEAG further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security within the port enclave to support the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

The Association said reports of robbery attacks involving transporters and individuals handling cargo had raised security concerns among stakeholders.

It called for increased patrols, improved surveillance and stronger rapid-response measures to protect businesses, transporters and other port users.

The IEAG said addressing these challenges alongside the gains recorded through Publican AI would help create a more efficient, transparent and business-friendly trading environment at Ghana’s ports.

Prince Antwi

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