Publican AI key to transparency, revenue boost – Deputy Finance Minister

The Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has defended the government’s decision to introduce the Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports, despite growing resistance from sections of the trading community.

The implementation of the AI-powered system has sparked significant debate among stakeholders in the import and export sector in recent weeks.

Several trade groups have openly opposed the initiative, calling for its immediate suspension due to concerns about its potential impact on port operations, costs, and the broader ease of doing business.

However, government officials maintain that the system is a critical step toward strengthening revenue collection and enhancing transparency in customs processes.

Addressing participants at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, the Deputy Minister underscored the rationale behind the policy, pointing to longstanding inefficiencies within the country’s public financial management framework.

He explained that the introduction of Publican AI forms part of a broader strategy to modernise revenue mobilisation systems and eliminate persistent loopholes that have historically resulted in significant financial losses to the state.

According to him, the government has already taken steps to institutionalise reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline and accountability across public sector operations.

“The Ministry has, since March 2026, set up the PFM Systems Division. The focus is to ensure that the planned rollout of structural and system PFM changes is done on time, within scope, and on budget.

“This high priority for systemic changes in PFM is what informed our decision to introduce an AI-powered system to strengthen Customs administration, detect undervaluation, and close long-standing revenue leakages at our ports.”

Source: citinewsroom.com