Importers back AI Valuation System and demand faster appeals and fairer duty assessments

Written by; Regina Bless

The introduction of the Port Ghana AI system does not mean the digital platform is without challenges. Like every major digital reform, its implementation continues to face some bottlenecks that require attention.

According to the Importers and Exporters Association, some members continue to raise concerns about the effectiveness of the system, particularly in four key areas.

First is the appeal process. Although improvements have been made to the tools supporting appeals, some importers still experience delays in the review and resolution of valuation disputes. The Association is therefore calling for a faster, transparent and time-bound appeal process to prevent unnecessary demurrage charges and disruptions to businesses.

Second is duty fluctuation. Some importers continue to report unexpected variations in duty assessments for similar consignments imported at different times. The Association is urging government to continuously update and calibrate the valuation database to ensure greater consistency, accuracy and predictability in duty assessments.

Third is continuous stakeholder engagement. The Importers and Exporters Association is calling for regular consultations among the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs, freight forwarders, shipping lines and other stakeholders within the trading community. Such engagements, it says, are necessary to identify challenges and continuously improve the system.

The fourth area is capacity building, which remains critical. The Association is calling on the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to organize continuous training for Customs officers, freight forwarders and clearing agents to ensure a uniform understanding and application of the Port Ghana AI system.

The Association emphasized that while technology provides the tools for reform, the effectiveness of the system ultimately depends on the people operating and using those tools.

It is therefore calling for continued investment in training, stakeholder collaboration and system improvements to ensure that the Port Ghana AI system achieves its intended purpose of making Ghana’s ports more efficient, transparent and business-friendly.