|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Importers demand urgent action on Tema Port congestion, shipping charges and digital disruptions
ACCRA, Ghana — The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) says Ghana has generated more than US$300 million in additional customs revenue since the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution at the country’s ports.
The Association says the technology is transforming customs valuation by improving the assessment of imported goods and reducing excessive human discretion in the determination of duties.
Publican AI became fully operational at Ghana’s ports on March 12, 2026.
The Executive Secretary of the IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, disclosed the figures at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
He said approximately 366,000 import declarations had been analysed under the system, with about 24 per cent triggering valuation risk indicators and requiring further review.
According to the IEAG, assessed customs collections increased by approximately US$73.44 million in March alone, representing a 25.7 per cent increase.
Overall, the Association said the system had contributed to a 17.5 per cent increase in assessed customs collections over values initially declared by importers.
Mr Awingobit said the figures demonstrated how technology could strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation without necessarily introducing new taxes.
IEAG changes position on Publican AI
The IEAG disclosed that it initially had reservations about Publican AI, particularly regarding stakeholder engagement, transparency, data integrity, system integration and operational readiness.
However, Mr Awingobit said engagements with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had addressed many of the Association’s concerns.
The Association subsequently supported the implementation of the system, saying its objectives were in the national interest.
It said Publican AI had improved consistency and predictability in customs valuation while reducing opportunities for excessive human discretion.
The IEAG, however, called for continuous calibration of the valuation database, improvements to the appeals process, regular stakeholder consultations and additional training for Customs officers, freight forwarders and clearing agents.
Importers warned against inflated customs bills
The Association also cautioned importers against relying solely on duty figures provided by freight forwarders and clearing agents.
It said it had received complaints alleging that some unscrupulous agents were using misunderstandings surrounding Publican AI to quote inflated customs charges to importers.
The IEAG urged importers to demand proper documentation and seek clarification from the appropriate authorities whenever they suspect discrepancies in their assessments.
Tema Port congestion threatens trade efficiency
While commending the gains from Publican AI, the IEAG said improvements in customs revenue must be matched by reforms in port infrastructure.
The Association expressed concern over persistent container congestion at Tema Port, saying the situation was contributing to traffic build-up within the port enclave and adjoining areas.
It called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to urgently expand container-handling capacity.
The IEAG proposed that the GPHA consider, where appropriate, not renewing selected leases and instead redeveloping such spaces into modern container terminal facilities.
It said expanding capacity at the main port and Terminal Three would improve cargo handling, ease congestion and facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles.
IEAG challenges shipping lines over container charges
The Association also raised concerns over what it described as the apparent failure of some shipping lines and their agents to comply with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) directive regulating the Container Administrative Charge (CAC), also known as the local handling charge.
The IEAG said the approved ceiling was GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
It warned that charges above the approved ceiling could raise the cost of doing business and undermine Ghana’s efforts to remain competitive as a regional trade and logistics hub.
The Association appealed to the Minister for Transport to convene an urgent meeting involving the GSA, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
GRA urged to fix digital service disruptions
The IEAG further called on the GRA to strengthen its digital infrastructure following recent disruptions to government online services at the port, particularly the Ghana.gov platform.
According to the Association, the platform was reportedly unavailable for about a week before services were restored, resulting in financial and operational losses for businesses.
It urged the GRA to invest in stronger system resilience, routine maintenance, technical support and contingency mechanisms to ensure that digital failures do not bring port operations to a standstill.
IEAG praises GoldBod and Bank of Ghana
The Association also commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for measures it said had contributed to economic and business stability.
It said GoldBod’s gold trading policies had helped strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange position and improve access to foreign exchange for legitimate business activities.
The IEAG also welcomed monetary policy and foreign exchange interventions by the Bank of Ghana.
It particularly cited the decline in the average lending rate from 30.3 per cent in December 2024 to 20.5 per cent in December 2025, saying the reduction could ease the cost of working capital for businesses.
Ghana Link gets industry backing
The IEAG also commended Ghana Link for improvements in the operation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
The Association said there had been little or no major complaints regarding port-clearance challenges associated with the system since the beginning of the year.
It attributed the improvement to enhanced technical services and interventions by the company.
IEAG backs used-vehicle verification programme
The Association further expressed support for the Ghana Standards Authority’s planned implementation of the Pre-Shipment Inspection and Vehicle Age Verification (PVoC) programme for imported used vehicles.
The programme is expected to take effect from October 1.
The IEAG said the initiative would help prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe vehicles and strengthen compliance with Ghana’s safety and environmental standards.
It added that improved vehicle traceability could also help address concerns over stolen and accident-damaged vehicles.
The Association urged its members to prepare for the new regime and comply with the requirements.
Port reforms must go beyond revenue mobilisation
The IEAG said the gains recorded through Publican AI represented an important step towards improving Ghana’s revenue mobilisation and customs administration.
However, it cautioned that higher customs revenue alone would not be enough to make Ghana’s ports competitive.
The Association called for urgent action on container congestion, shipping charges, digital service disruptions and port security, alongside continued investment in infrastructure and technology.
It said a combination of efficient customs systems, modern port infrastructure, reliable digital platforms and effective stakeholder engagement would be critical to positioning Ghana as a competitive and secure regional trade hub.
