Joseph Cudjoe demands transparency over Publican AI Customs deal

Former Effia MP Joseph Cudjoe has renewed calls for full disclosure of the financial terms behind the Publican AI Customs system contract, warning that continued secrecy could erode accountability in Ghana’s public sector.

In a detailed commentary, the former Public Enterprises Minister stressed that the financial component of any agreement remains its most critical element.

“The most important aspect of any contract is the financial terms,” he said, arguing that without transparency, it is impossible to determine whether the country is receiving value for money.

Mr Cudjoe also questioned recent remarks by the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, who reportedly indicated that although Ghana is paying for the system, confidentiality clauses prevent disclosure of the cost.

According to him, such explanations weaken public confidence and undermine principles of accountability in public financial management.

He cautioned that allowing state institutions to withhold financial details of major contracts could establish a troubling precedent.

“GRA’s refusal to disclose how much we are paying for this service will set a very dangerous precedent for Ghana,” he warned, adding that it could embolden other government agencies to conceal critical information.

Mr Cudjoe maintained that transparency is essential to safeguarding public resources and urged authorities to make the financial details of the agreement public, insisting that citizens have a right to know how much the country is committing to the project.