
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reported a significant boost in tax mobilization, generating an additional GH¢1 billion in customs revenue for April 2026 alone. This substantial increase is attributed to the deployment of the Publican AI system, a specialized artificial intelligence tool designed to detect discrepancies in the declaration of imported goods. The success of the initiative underscores the authority's strategic shift toward digital transformation to curb revenue leakages and enhance efficiency at the country's ports.
The AI system functions by cross-referencing values declared by importers against extensive international databases and historical transaction records. By identifying instances where the declared value of goods is lower than market reality—a practice known as under-declaration—the technology allows customs officers to make more accurate assessments and recover lost funds. Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Adviser to the Commissioner-General, explained that the AI system empowers officials with real-time data to challenge inconsistent filings, ensuring that the appropriate duties are paid on all imports based on verifiable global pricing.
These results were shared by the GRA during a presentation at the 7th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The forum, which focused on digital transformation and tax compliance, provided a platform for Ghana to showcase its progress in integrating advanced technology into its tax administration framework. The GRA’s success with the Publican AI system serves as a case study for how digital-driven compliance strategies can effectively address traditional challenges in customs and tax administration, providing a more transparent and predictable environment for international trade.
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