Mid-Year Budget: Gov’t to Deploy AI at Ports to Combat Revenue Leakages – Ato Forson
Finance Minister says AI will be used to tackle GH₵1.6 billion customs shortfall and reduce human interference at entry points.
- Customs revenue fell short by GH₵1.6 billion in H1 2025
- AI to be deployed to reduce human interference and close revenue gaps
- Gold smuggling and port leakages blamed for shortfalls, especially at Tema Port
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has unveiled plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology at customs entry points as part of a broader strategy to curb revenue losses and reduce human interference in revenue collection processes.
Delivering the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, Dr. Forson disclosed that customs revenue underperformed in the first half of the year, falling short by GH₵1.6 billion, representing a 12.7% decline from projected figures.
Despite solid performance in general domestic revenue, systemic leakages at major entry points, particularly Tema Port, and increasing cases of gold smuggling across Ghana’s borders, have hindered overall revenue growth.
“These developments pose serious risks to meeting our 2025 revenue targets,” he warned.
To address the issue, the government will adopt AI systems aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing monitoring, and minimizing human interference, especially in high-risk revenue zones.
