The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has defended government’s decision to introduce the Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports, despite growing opposition from sections of the trading community.

The AI-driven system has sparked intense debate in recent weeks, with some importers and exporters raising concerns about its potential impact on port operations, costs, and the ease of doing business.

Several trade groups have called for its suspension pending further stakeholder engagement.

However, government maintains that the initiative is critical to improving revenue mobilisation and enhancing transparency within customs operations.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, Mr. Ampem explained that the rollout forms part of broader reforms to modernise Ghana’s public financial management systems.

He noted that persistent inefficiencies and loopholes in the system have historically led to significant revenue losses, making technological intervention necessary.

According to him, the Ministry of Finance has already taken steps to institutionalise reforms, including the establishment of a Public Financial Management (PFM) Systems Division in March 2026 to oversee the implementation of structural and system changes.

“This high priority for systemic changes in PFM is what informed our decision to introduce an AI-powered system to strengthen Customs administration, detect undervaluation, and close long-standing revenue leakages at our ports,” he stated.

Mr. Ampem emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring that reforms are implemented efficiently, within scope, and on schedule, as part of efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline and accountability across the public sector.