By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Presenting the 2025 mid-year budget review on the floor of parliament today, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson has reported a significant shortfall in customs revenue amounting to GH¢1.6 billion, which represents 12.7% of the projected revenue for the first half of 2025. This underperformance, he attributed to systemic revenue leakages at major customs collection points, particularly the Tema Port, and the smuggling of goods across the Ghana’s land borders.
According to the Finance Minister, the government is implementing several measures to address the challenges and safeguard revenue including the adoption of AI tools. “AI will be used to minimize human interference in revenue assessment, supporting the validation of country of origin, classification, and valuation of imported goods,’’ he said.
He added that the advanced cargo information system will enable the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority to receive comprehensive shipment details 24 hours prior to vessel departure, facilitating pre-arrival risk assessment and more accurate duty assessments.
The Minister said a nationwide surveillance programme will be implemented to target both inland and maritime borders to prevent smuggling while reviewing the institutional setup of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority including staff mobility, to enhance transparency and accountability.
These measures he said, aim to mitigate the risks posed by the revenue shortfall and ensure the attainment of the revenue target for the year.
