GRA makes publican AI system mandatory for all import clearances

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has directed that all import clearance processes must now be carried out using the newly deployed Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, effective immediately.

The directive, announced on Thursday, March 19, 2026, marks a significant shift in customs administration, as the GRA moves to fully automate and tighten controls over the clearance of goods.

According to the Authority, the mandatory adoption of the AI-powered platform is part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue assurance, eliminate human intervention in valuation and classification, and curb import-related infractions.

The Publican AI system is designed to analyse import declarations in real time, flag anomalies, and automatically compute applicable duties. Officials say the technology will significantly reduce processing times while improving accuracy and transparency.

The move follows earlier statements from the GRA indicating that the system was being piloted to address long-standing challenges such as under-valuation, misclassification, and the diversion of goods.

Speaking on the development, a senior customs officer explained that the mandatory rollout is intended to create a uniform clearance environment. “All importers, agents, and declarants are now required to channel all transactions through the Publican AI platform. Manual processing will no longer be accepted at any customs point,” the officer said.

The GRA has urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the system and has established support channels to assist with the transition.

The Authority previously disclosed that it expects the new AI tool to help plug revenue leakages estimated at billions of cedis. According to recent data, the GRA has already recorded early successes, including the foiling of a GH¢2.3 million diesel diversion attempt, underscoring the system’s enforcement capabilities.

Stakeholders in the freight forwarding and trading sectors have been asked to ensure full compliance as the GRA intensifies its digitalisation drive.