Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government will deploy artificial intelligence (AI) at Ghana’s ports to minimise human interference and address revenue shortfalls.

Delivering the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, 24 July, Dr Forson disclosed that Customs revenue recorded a shortfall of GH¢1.6 billion, representing 12.7%, in the first half of the year, largely due to systemic leakages at key entry points such as Tema Port and the smuggling of goods across land borders.

“This underperformance poses a threat to our fiscal targets,” he stated.

To address these challenges, Dr Forson revealed a range of interventions, including the adoption of AI tools aimed at improving accuracy in customs operations.

“We will adopt Artificial Intelligence to reduce human involvement in revenue assessments, validate the country of origin, and ensure accurate classification and valuation of imports,” he said.

He further announced the rollout of an Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system to give the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Ghana Revenue Authority access to full shipment details at least 24 hours before vessels depart their ports of origin. This, he noted, would enable better pre-arrival risk assessments, reduce documentation amendments, and improve duty accuracy.

Other measures include a new anti-smuggling surveillance programme across inland and maritime borders and a review of the Customs Division’s structure to enhance accountability and decentralise operations.

“These reforms are designed to strengthen revenue mobilisation and ensure greater transparency at the ports,” Dr Forson concluded.