The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded a landmark GH¢6.1 billion in customs revenue for July 2026, a surge attributed to the full-scale deployment of its artificial intelligence-driven valuation system, Publican AI, the Commissioner-General, Dr. Anthony Sarpong, has revealed.
The figure represents a sharp jump from the pre-implementation monthly average of approximately GH¢4 billion, translating into an additional GH¢2.1 billion in a single month. Dr. Sarpong made the disclosure during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace on Saturday, where he briefed the monarch on the Authority’s reform progress.
“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,” Dr. Sarpong said.
He provided a month-by-month breakdown: before the system’s rollout, customs collections averaged GH¢4 billion monthly. By June 2026, that figure had climbed to GH¢5.5 billion, and in July, it reached GH¢6.1 billion. “So that means that our customs reforms are working,” he affirmed.
How Publican AI Works
Publican AI is an advanced machine-learning platform designed to automate and standardise the valuation of imported goods. Traditionally, customs valuation relied on manual assessments by officers, a process prone to inconsistencies, under-declaration, and collusion. The AI system cross-references declared values against a vast database of global transaction prices, shipping manifests, and regional benchmarks, flagging anomalies in real time.
The system was first piloted in late 2025 and rolled out fully in April 2026, following months of stakeholder sensitisation. Despite initial pushback from some importers and clearing agents—who raised concerns about the system’s complexity and potential for overvaluation—the GRA has reported improved compliance and fewer disputes. Dr. Sarpong attributed the success to the cooperation of the business community, importers, and GRA staff in embracing the reform.
A Broader Reform Agenda
The customs revenue boost is part of a wider suite of reforms being pursued by the GRA under its current Board and Management, aimed at modernising tax administration and plugging long-standing leakages. Earlier this year, the Authority introduced digital tracking of transit cargo, enhanced scanner deployment at the ports, and tightened post-clearance audit procedures.
The Publican AI success has bolstered the government’s confidence in technology-driven solutions, especially as Ghana seeks to meet ambitious domestic revenue targets under its IMF-supported programme. The additional revenue—now exceeding GH¢2 billion per month above pre-reform levels—could significantly reduce the fiscal deficit and lessen the need for external borrowing.
Next Frontier: VAT Overhaul and Reward Scheme
Dr. Sarpong also unveiled the GRA’s next major reform target: value-added tax (VAT) administration, which he described as “a game changer.” He disclosed that only four out of every ten businesses currently comply with VAT obligations—either by not charging the tax, charging but failing to remit, or simply evading payment altogether.
Parliament has recently approved a project that will mandate the installation of electronic devices—likely fiscal printers or integrated point-of-sale systems—at all shops and service points. These devices will automatically record transactions and transmit VAT data in real time to the GRA, making under-declaration virtually impossible.
To complement the enforcement measures, the GRA is planning a taxpayer and consumer reward scheme. Under the proposed programme, individuals who collect and submit valid VAT receipts will be eligible for cash or non-cash rewards from the government. “Details of the reward scheme will be announced later,” Dr. Sarpong said, adding that the initiative aims to incentivise consumers to demand receipts, thereby creating a culture of tax compliance from the bottom up.
Engagement and Public Education
The Commissioner-General assured that the GRA would conduct extensive engagement with businesses and the public ahead of the VAT device rollout, to minimise resistance and ensure smooth implementation. He acknowledged that previous attempts at VAT modernisation had faced pushback, but expressed optimism that the current approach—combining technology with incentives—would yield better results.
Dr. Sarpong also thanked the Asantehene and traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region for their support of the GRA’s revenue mobilisation efforts, and for providing a peaceful environment for its officers to operate. He noted that the moral authority of traditional rulers had been instrumental in encouraging voluntary compliance among traders and artisans.
Significance and Outlook
The GH¢6.1 billion July figure underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in public finance. For a country that has historically struggled with revenue shortfalls, the sustained uplift in customs collections offers a much-needed fiscal buffer. Analysts note that if the trend continues, the GRA could exceed its annual revenue target by a significant margin.
However, the Authority faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while expanding into VAT—a more complex and politically sensitive area. VAT evasion is deeply entrenched, particularly in the retail and service sectors, and the mandatory device installation will require significant investment in infrastructure and enforcement.
The Commissioner-General remains undeterred. “Our customs reforms are working,” he said, “and we are confident that the VAT reforms will be similarly successful.” With the Asantehene’s blessing and a growing public awareness of the link between taxation and development, the GRA appears poised to deliver on its mandate—one digital leap at a time.
