GRA Deploys AI to Combat Billions in Port Leakages as KGL Group Leads with GHS 150 Million Tax Payment

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intensified its efforts to modernize revenue collection and eliminate systemic leakages that have cost the nation billions of dollars in lost trade revenue. Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong recently disclosed that a five-year review of trade data uncovered a staggering $31 billion transferred out of the country without corresponding imports, alongside GH¢11 billion in losses due to port irregularities. These discrepancies were primarily attributed to the under-declaration of goods, misclassification, incorrect valuations, and collusion between importers and some customs officials. To address these vulnerabilities, the GRA has implemented the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, a transformative tool designed to enhance transparency and accuracy in revenue assessments. The system works by analyzing real-time global pricing data to flag suspicious import declarations for further review, rather than arbitrarily setting values for goods. According to Mr. Sarpong, the Publican system has already significantly improved operational efficiency at the ports, reducing import declaration processing times from approximately two hours to just five minutes. While initial implementation faced some pushback over data security and operational challenges, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has officially shifted its stance to support the modernization effort, acknowledging that such technological reforms are vital for the national interest and a fairer marketplace. In a parallel display of corporate responsibility, the KGL Group has announced its commitment to pay GHS 150 million in taxes to the GRA for the current period. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum 2026, Executive Chairman Alex Dadey emphasized the critical role of tax compliance in national development and urged other businesses to view taxation as a core component of sustainable growth. The announcement was lauded by President John Mahama, who held up KGL Group’s consistent five-year record of timely tax filings as a model for corporate citizenship in Ghana and across the continent. This dual focus on rigorous technology-driven enforcement by the GRA and voluntary compliance from leading private entities like KGL Group signals a new era in Ghana's economic landscape. By leveraging AI to close loopholes and fostering a culture of accountability among major taxpayers, the government aims to restore confidence in the trade system, ensure a level playing field for legitimate businesses, and secure the necessary resources for national infrastructure and development projects.