GRA Boss Reveals US$83bn Import Gap, GH¢182bn Revenue & Publican AI Impact | #PointOfView
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (Ghana Revenue Authority), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has provided detailed insights into Ghana's revenue performance, tax reforms, and the impact of the Publican AI customs system in a wide-ranging interview.
He revealed that a review of five years of import data uncovered a major discrepancy: US$83 billion declared for imports versus US$31 billion in actual goods, suggesting significant valuation gaps and potential revenue losses estimated at over US$11 billion.
Following the rollout of Publican AI, he said Ghana is now capturing about US$3 million daily in previously uncollected revenue, while customs revenue has increased from approximately GH¢2.4 billion to GH¢3.6 billion in a short period after deployment.
He explained that the system improves valuation accuracy, reduces manual discretion, and speeds up customs processes from hours to minutes.
On broader reforms, he confirmed that VAT automation is being developed under the Fiscal Electronic Devices Act, expected to roll out by 2028, which will digitize VAT collection across businesses.
He also addressed governance concerns, dismissing conflict-of-interest allegations and confirming that he has no ongoing ties to his former employer.
Additionally, he disclosed that the GRA suspended payments to SML and halted disputed service arrangements as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve revenue management.
The GRA says these reforms are aimed at improving transparency, reducing leakages, and strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation.
ChannelOne TV...Telling Your Story, Empowering Change
Follow us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Channel1tvgh/ X: https://twitter.com/Channel1TVGHA?t=DPofwFHEwuDIWLCM95G-4Q&s=08 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channel1tvgh?utm_source=qr&igsh=MWduejJkNXJvemRpYQ== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channel1tvgh?_t=8mvn70KY7xm&_r=1 Website: channelonenewsonline.com