Ghana's AI-Powered Customs System Drives Revenue Jump to GH¢6.1bn—What's Next for VAT

Ghana's Revenue Authority has achieved a landmark jump in customs revenue following the rollout of its artificial intelligence-driven Publican AI system, with monthly collections climbing from approximately GH¢4 billion to GH¢6.1 billion in July 2026. The surge represents one of the most significant revenue improvements in recent years and underscores the government's broader push to strengthen tax administration through technology.

Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong revealed the figures during a courtesy visit to the Asantehene at Manhyia Palace, highlighting the tangible results of customs reforms that began full implementation in April 2026. The Publican AI system focuses on improving the valuation of imported goods—a critical area where revenue leakage has historically been substantial—and has generated an additional GH¢1.3 to GH¢1.5 billion monthly since its deployment.

How the System is Changing Customs Operations

The Publican AI platform represents a technological overhaul of Ghana's traditional customs assessment process. By automating and standardising the valuation of imports, the system reduces opportunities for undervaluation—a practice where importers declare artificially low prices to minimise duties. Dr Sarpong attributed the success to cooperation from the import business community and GRA staff, suggesting that stakeholder buy-in has been crucial to implementation.

The revenue trajectory has been steady: GH¢5.5 billion in June and GH¢6.1 billion in July, demonstrating that the gains are not anomalies but reflect systematic improvement. Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson also confirmed these figures in Parliament, lending credibility to the Authority's reporting.

The Next Frontier: VAT Reform and Consumer Engagement

Looking beyond customs, the GRA is preparing a more ambitious overhaul of Value Added Tax (VAT) administration. Dr Sarpong disclosed that only four out of every ten businesses currently comply with VAT obligations, with non-compliant firms either failing to charge the tax, collecting it without remitting it, or neglecting obligations for other reasons. Parliament has already approved a project to install devices at retail and service points to monitor and improve VAT compliance.

The initiative is designed to create real-time oversight of VAT transactions, similar in concept to the success achieved with customs automation. To support adoption and encourage consumer participation, the GRA is developing a taxpayer reward scheme that would incentivise shoppers to request VAT receipts—turning everyday purchasing into a compliance mechanism. Further details are expected to be announced later.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Revenue mobilisation remains a critical priority for Ghana, particularly as the government seeks to reduce reliance on external borrowing and improve fiscal sustainability. Increased customs and VAT collection directly strengthens government finances, enabling investment in health, education and infrastructure without additional taxation or debt. The success of Publican AI demonstrates that technological solutions can deliver rapid, measurable results when properly implemented—a model that other African nations are watching closely.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the reforms also signal a shift toward a more formalised, transparent economy. The VAT reward scheme, if effective, could reinforce business integrity by making tax compliance visible to consumers and creating market incentives for formal retail practices. Traditional leaders' support, emphasised during the palace visit, suggests that the reforms enjoy broad stakeholder acceptance across communities.

The GRA has committed to extensive engagement with businesses and the public ahead of the VAT system rollout, indicating a deliberate approach to change management that differs from previous, sometimes contentious tax reforms.