GRA Customs revenue surges to $450 million a month after AI rollout

The Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs Division is now generating up to US$450 million in revenue each month, representing an increase of about US$100 million following the introduction of artificial intelligence and other digital systems at the ports. The increase has pushed monthly Customs collections from about US$350 million to as much as US$450 million, according to GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong. Sarpong attributed the growth to reforms in the valuation and classification of imported goods, supported by artificial intelligence systems. Speaking at the 8th West African Tax Administrators Forum in Ghana, he said the reforms were designed to improve the accuracy of customs assessments and ensure that import duties are properly applied. “By strengthening the accuracy with which imports are valued, and goods are classified, customs revenue collections have risen from approximately US$350 million to as much as US$450 million a month, an increase of some US$100 million every month,” he said. According to the Commissioner-General, the revenue gains did not come from introducing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates. He said the results demonstrate how technology and administrative reforms can improve revenue mobilisation by ensuring that existing tax rules are applied more accurately. “That is the power of administrative reform: no new taxes, no higher rates, simply the fair and accurate application of the rules, supported by modern systems and professional integrity,” he stated. The reforms in Customs operations began in April after the government introduced an artificial intelligence system to support the valuation of goods entering the country through the ports. Cedi stability protects Ghana from global food price hikes Sarpong described the technology as a game changer as the GRA seeks to strengthen revenue collection and reduce gaps in the assessment of imported goods. He said the figures were evidence that digital innovation, political commitment and administrative reforms could help African countries improve domestic revenue mobilisation. The 8th West African Tax Administrators Forum brought together tax administrators from across the West African region to discuss strategies for strengthening revenue systems. Zonda Tec Assembly Plant to Produce 12,000 Vehicles Annually, Create 800 Jobs – CEO Source: GhanaWeb (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/GRA-Customs-revenue-surges-to-450-million-a-month-after-AI-rollout-2052601)