GRA generates GH₵1bn in extra revenue through AI customs tools

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded an additional GH‵1 billion in revenue for the month of April 2026, a boost attributed to the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect customs undervaluation. This achievement was highlighted during the seventh Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The authority noted that the use of advanced digital tools is transforming the landscape of tax collection in Ghana by identifying discrepancies and valuation gaps that previously eluded manual oversight.

The GRA’s success in April follows a broader suite of digital reforms aimed at modernising tax administration and enhancing transparency. Speaking at the forum, Ms. Elsie Appau-Klu detailed how the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) and the integration of the Ghana Card for tax identification have streamlined processes. These initiatives, alongside the Modified Taxation Scheme (MTS), have not only simplified tax compliance for businesses but have also expanded the national taxpayer base. The authority emphasized that these digital platforms are essential for reducing human error and preventing revenue leakages at the country's borders.

The revenue surge in early 2026 builds upon the GRA’s strong performance in the previous fiscal year, during which total revenue reached GH‵182 billion in 2025. Looking forward, the authority has set an ambitious target to reach GH‵310 billion in annual revenue by 2028. To sustain this growth, Ms. Appau-Klu stressed that technological investments must be matched with comprehensive staff training and a steadfast commitment to data security and privacy. She further advocated for the establishment of common international standards in digital tax administration to ensure cross-border efficiency.