The Ministry of Finance has justified the deployment of the Publican AI system in the clearance of imports, amid growing concerns from industry players, particularly members of the Institute of Freight Forwarders.
The introduction of the artificial intelligence-driven system forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise customs procedures, improve efficiency at the ports, and enhance revenue assurance in the importation process.
However, the rollout has faced massive pushback among stakeholders, with some freight forwarders questioning both the consultation process and the potential implications for their operations.
Responding to these concerns on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 9, the Head of Revenue Assurance at the Ministry of Finance, Victor Kofi Baidoo, stressed that the deployment of the Publican AI system was not done unilaterally.
He explained that extensive stakeholder engagement preceded the implementation, ensuring that key players within the import and logistics value chain were adequately informed and given the opportunity to understand the system.
“We met the importers and freight forwarders on the deployment. We invited all the trade union associations, and we met them at the Oak Plaza Hotel. The Deputy Finance Minister officially informed and invited them. I did a presentation to show them what the Publican AI looks like and how it will interrogate and present information to them.”
Further reinforcing the policy direction, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) formally communicated the implementation framework through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) issued to all ports and stations on March 10. The directive, titled “Directive on the Use of the Publican AI System for Imports Clearance Assessment,” makes the use of the system mandatory across all import clearance processes.
The directive effectively institutionalises the role of Publican AI within Ghana’s customs operations, requiring that all relevant procedures be aligned with the system’s analytical outputs.
This includes processes such as cargo inspection, valuation, and final assessment, which are critical stages in determining duties and taxes payable on imported goods.
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