The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki, has expressed strong support for the rollout of Publican AI, describing it as a step toward promoting fairness and transparency within the country’s customs system.
His comments follow the Association’s endorsement of the policy being introduced by the Ghana Revenue Authority to regulate import and export activities, despite concerns raised by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and some importers who have opposed the initiative.
Publican AI is a digital system designed to support customs operations using artificial intelligence. It assesses the value of goods, calculates duties, and detects inconsistencies in declarations. The system aims to reduce human discretion in the valuation process, minimize arbitrary charges, and ensure a more predictable and standardized duty regime at the ports.
Speaking on Public Sphere on Radio Univers, Mr. Asaki reiterated that the introduction of the system would help create a more consistent and transparent framework for importers and exporters.
“This system will bring parity, fairness, and transparency. We are in support because back in January 2025, the port had 13 cedis with excessive duty, and the dollar was 14 cedis. Then after their first budget in March 2025 got approved in May and they started implementing, the port came down to 10.2 for a long time, and the dollar also came down to 10.2,” he explained.
Mr. Asaki further raised concerns about arbitrary increases in duties at the ports and inconsistencies in charges, particularly affecting new and small-scale importers.
He called on government to address these challenges while urging the Ghana Union of Traders Association to focus on constructive engagement on the issue.
“I’m worried about arbitrary duty hikes at the port. Let’s check the percentage difference and talk to the government. For small credit card businesses with tiny capital, make an exception and target the multinationals that are robbing the country instead. That’s a good call, but my colleagues from GUTA aren’t making that argument,” he added.
The debate over the implementation of Publican AI continues, as stakeholders weigh its potential to reform Ghana’s port system against concerns about its impact on businesses.
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Story by Erica Animah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
