The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has officially clarified its stance on the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) system at the nation’s ports.
Contrary to recent assertions suggesting opposition to the technology, the IEAG Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, confirmed that while the association harboured legitimate concerns during the initial rollout in 2025, it now fully supports the AI-driven reform.
During an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem via Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Awingobit noted that certain groups have been recycling media publications from December 2025 to create a false impression of ongoing resistance.
He explained that although their initial objections were “legitimate and grounded in the lack of adequate stakeholder consultation,” the landscape has since changed.
He further clarified that “the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the GRA, has engaged extensively with industry stakeholders,” leading to a more collaborative environment.
The Executive Secretary has advised the Ghana Union of Traders and other organisations experiencing difficulties with the new system to seek further engagement with the authorities to find a constructive way forward.
The initial friction surrounding the Publican AI system primarily centred on data security, transparency, and the integration of the technology with existing port infrastructure.
However, the IEAG revealed that recent constructive engagements with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have successfully addressed these bottlenecks.
While acknowledging that the rollout has faced certain operational challenges—a situation the association describes as a common occurrence with major technological shifts—the IEAG expressed confidence in the government’s ongoing efforts to refine the framework.
Mr Awingobit informed the news team that the implementation of the system has already enhanced revenue mobilisation through the automated detection of under-valuation and led to a significant reduction in leakages by plugging holes in the manual clearing process.
Additionally, the system has minimised unethical practices and human interference at the ports while strengthening Ghana’s overall trade facilitation architecture.
Urging all port stakeholders to support the initiative, he described it as a national interest project designed to eliminate bottlenecks and promote a more competitive trading environment.
He specifically advised importers and exporters not to be coerced into industrial actions that could create further challenges for their businesses.
He advised them to ensure they pay their duties on time to prevent any form of demurrage and extra charges.
He added by noting that the government has demonstrated a commitment to supporting traders, particularly through the reduction and scrapping of several taxes, and should be commended for these efforts.
He noted that agitations and the decision to embark on strike action will not solve the problem, saying, “We cannot always use the tsooboi tsooboi strategy. I will encourage GUTA to engage with the government through the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Previously, some people were under-declaring, but the Publican AI has flagged all these things. That is the issue we are having… I think my colleagues from GUTA and others can call for dialogue because they have already been asked to present any concerns they have so that they can be addressed. Inasmuch as we want importers and exporters protected, we also have to be patriotic and support the government. If GUTA has legitimate concerns, they have to go to the Ministry because the Ministry is ready to engage.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
