GRA’s AI system adds GH¢1 billion to customs revenue in April 2026

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says its artificial intelligence system generated an additional GH¢1 billion in customs revenue in April 2026 by helping officers detect possible underdeclaration of imported goods and prevent revenue losses.

Technical Adviser to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Elsie Appau-Klu, said the Publican AI system was helping customs officers identify discrepancies between the values declared by importers and prices recorded in international databases and previous import transactions.

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Speaking at the 7th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, held from October 13 to 15, 2026, she said the technology was improving the authority’s ability to detect suspicious transactions before imported goods were released.

“Publican AI is helping customs officers identify possible undervaluation of imports and address revenue gaps before goods are released,” Appau-Klu said.

The system, introduced in late 2025, operates within the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). It analyses import declarations alongside historical trade records, international prices, electronic invoices and taxpayer identification information to flag transactions that may require further investigation.

The technology is expected to help the GRA reduce revenue leakages by enabling officers to identify declarations that may not reflect the actual value of imported goods.

Accurate customs valuation is important for both businesses and the government, as it helps ensure that the correct duties and taxes are paid on imported goods.

Appau-Klu said the gains from digital tax administration were also reflected in the authority’s overall revenue performance.

GRA revenue increased from GH¢153 billion in 2024 to GH¢182 billion in 2025, with Customs contributing the largest share of the increase. The authority is targeting GH¢310 billion in revenue by 2028.

“Digital systems give us better tools to examine transactions, identify unusual declarations and make informed decisions on the revenue due to the state,” she said.

However, Appau-Klu stressed that artificial intelligence was intended to support customs officers rather than replace them.

Officers can review alerts generated by the system and either accept or override them, while taxpayers retain the right to appeal decisions.

“AI must support the judgement of our officers, not replace it. Human review and the right of taxpayers to appeal remain important to a fair tax system,” she said.

The GRA adviser also highlighted the need to make tax payments easier for businesses, particularly those operating in the informal sector.

She said formal businesses could use the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) system, while informal operators could access the Modified Taxation Scheme through the *880# USSD platform and mobile money services. The scheme applies a flat three per cent tax.

Appau-Klu said Ghana’s experience showed that digital tax systems needed to reflect the needs of different categories of taxpayers. She added that stronger data systems and staff training would help improve revenue collection.

ANAS/MA

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