The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General, Anthony Sarpong, has revealed that the Authority generated GH¢6.1 billion in customs revenue in July 2026.
According to the GRA, the adoption of Publican has boosted the average of about GH¢4 billion recorded each month before the artificial intelligence-powered system was fully implemented.
He disclosed that customs receipts rose from approximately GH¢4 billion before the reform to GH¢5.5 billion in June and GH¢6.1 billion in July 2026.
Anthony Sarpong stated, “The full implementation started in April 2026. So, between April and June, we are happy to report, and as the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson also echoed in Parliament, that we are collecting about GH¢1.3 to GH¢1.5 billion a month in addition to what we used to collect.
“So that means before the implementation we were collecting about GHC4 billion a month. As of June, we were collecting GH¢5.5 billion. In the month of July, we collected GH¢6.1 billion, which means that our customs reforms are working,” he said.
Dr Sarpong also credited the gains to the cooperation of importers, businesses and GRA personnel.
According to him, only about four in every 10 businesses currently pay VAT, with others failing to charge, remit or properly account for the tax, adding that Parliament has approved a project that will allow the government to require devices at shops and service points to strengthen VAT administration.
“That is going to be a game changer in our VAT administration,” he said.
It will be recalled that the Freight forwarders across Ghana’s ports and border posts, some months ago, began a four-day boycott of duty payments in protest against the government’s introduction of the “Publican AI” system for determining charges.
The leadership of GIFF has set up a task force and a monitoring team to ensure members comply with the directive.
Also, a former Member of Parliament for Bortianor‑Ngleshie Amanfro and General Secretary hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sylvester Tetteh, has alleged that the Publican AI system introduced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Ghana’s ports is to enrich some people.
Speaking on New Day on TV3, Sylvester Tetteh alleged, “What I see is a system put in place to enrich some people.”
He argued that revenue targets tied to percentage earnings could influence how values are determined.
“What is turning out is unnecessary inflation of the rates to meet their threshold and get their money”, he added.
Sylvester Tetteh further called for transparency around the Publican AI system.
The former MP demanded the disclosure of its contract and the introduction of an appeals process for importers.
“We are seeking the company, the contract, we want to see the beneficiaries”.
“You should have an appellate body to present your evidence,” he noted.
“If values have been accepted over time and verified, then changes must be properly explained,” he said.
Background
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) unveiled a new Artificial Intelligence-driven trade data analytics platform, named Publican AI.
According to the GRA, Publican AI is designed to enhance revenue mobilisation and tackle customs fraud.
The system employs Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to detect undervaluation, flag high-risk goods, and strengthen the capacity of customs operations.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, stated, “The AI tool will help us achieve accurate duty determination across the board, reducing discretion and ensuring a level playing field for all importers”.
“The Publican AI system will give us 100% coverage of assessment, ensuring that every shipment is scrutinised and valued accurately,” he added.
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