BY NAA DZAGBLEY AGO
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded a significant increase in customs revenue, collecting GH¢6.1 billion in July 2026, compared to a monthly average of about GH¢4 billion before the implementation of its new customs reforms.
The increase follows the full implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) trade valuation platform in April 2026, an initiative aimed at modernising trade facilitation, improving customs processing and strengthening fiscal transparency.
Speaking to the media after a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said the reforms had resulted in an additional GH¢1.3 billion to GH¢1.5 billion in monthly customs revenue.
He said prior to the implementation of the reforms, the Authority was collecting an average of GH¢4 billion in customs revenue each month.
“Before the implementation, we were collecting about GH¢4 billion a month. As of June, we were collecting GH¢5.5 billion. In the month of July, we collected GH¢6.1 billion, which means that our customs reforms are working,” he stated.
According to Mr. Sarpong, the GRA recorded GH¢5.5 billion in customs revenue in June, before collections rose further to GH¢6.1 billion in July.
He expressed appreciation to the business community, importers and staff of the GRA for their cooperation in implementing the reforms.
“Our customs reforms are working and we want to use this opportunity to thank the business community, importers and our GRA colleagues for supporting us and ensuring that the reforms are successful,” he added.
The Commissioner-General disclosed that the Authority’s next major focus would be improving Value Added Tax (VAT) administration as part of efforts to increase domestic revenue mobilisation. He identified VAT compliance as a major challenge, noting that only four out of every 10 eligible businesses currently pay VAT.
“Out of every 10 businesses, only four pay VAT. Among the remaining six, some are not charging VAT at all, while others charge it but fail to remit the money to the government,” he said.
To address the challenge, Mr Sarpong announced that Parliament had approved a new initiative requiring government-approved electronic devices to be installed in businesses that sell goods and provide services. He described the initiative as a “game changer” for VAT administration and said the GRA would undertake extensive stakeholder engagement and public education ahead of its implementation.
“We believe that if this project succeeds, it will generate the additional revenue needed to support national development,” he stated.
He therefore called on the media to support the GRA’s education and engagement campaign to help citizens understand the importance of paying VAT and demanding VAT receipts.
Mr. Sarpong also announced plans to introduce a taxpayer and consumer reward scheme to encourage customers to demand VAT receipts after making purchases. He said consumers who collect their VAT receipts could receive special rewards from the GRA or government.
“Those who collect their VAT receipts will receive special rewards from the GRA or government,” he revealed.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at transforming tax administration and improving domestic revenue mobilisation.
For his part, the Chairman of the GRA Board, Kweku Ricketts Hagan, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his continued support for the Authority. He explained that following the appointment of a new Board and subsequent changes in management, the delegation considered it important to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene.
“We came to thank him for his support. We know that behind the scenes he has been supporting our efforts in tax mobilisation,” he said.
Mr. Ricketts Hagan described the Asantehene as a unifying figure and peacemaker whose leadership continues to contribute to national stability. He also noted that although the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) had been in operation for some time, continuous enhancements had improved its effectiveness in supporting revenue mobilisation.
Addressing the delegation, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended the leadership of the GRA for its resilience and innovation in mobilising critical tax revenue for national development. He stressed the importance of domestic revenue mobilisation in financing essential infrastructure and public services.
“If we want quality schools, good roads and modern hospitals, we must finance them with our own tax revenue. Otherwise, we will continue borrowing other people’s tax money and paying interest on it,” he said.
The Asantehene therefore appealed to Ghanaians to support the GRA’s efforts to mobilise the resources needed to fund development projects. He also emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
“People want to see what their tax money is being used for. That is why President Mahama has pledged to lead a transparent and accountable government, ensuring that the public is informed about how tax revenue is utilised,” he said.
