The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has expressed deep concerns over the recent approval of an agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and TRUEDARE Investments Limited.
This agreement aims to introduce a “digital customs tracking” and AI audit system to supplement the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
According to TAGG, this new initiative requires urgent scrutiny to ensure transparency, value for money, and a clear understanding of its long-term impact on traders and consumers in the country.
A New Deal with Old Questions
The deal, as outlined in the Finance Committee’s report and media sources, intends to introduce a digital inspection system for tracking imported cargo containers.
TRUEDARE Investments, a newly incorporated company, will be working with the GRA to enhance the tracking and documentation processes in the customs sector, with a focus on improving revenue mobilisation.
The agreement is claimed to incur “no additional cost to the state.” However, TAGG argues that this statement is misleading, and that the financial implications of the deal must be fully disclosed and understood by all stakeholders.
ICUMS Already Provides Adequate Services
TAGG points out that Ghana’s current ICUMS platform, which was introduced in 2020, already offers end-to-end customs data management, including risk assessment, post-clearance audit, and cargo tracking.
The system was designed to reduce costs and eliminate systemic leakages in the customs process.
If there are any technical gaps in ICUMS, TAGG believes that these should be made clear through an open, independent review process.
Without such transparency, TAGG questions why the government would need to introduce a new system to supplement ICUMS.
In particular, they are calling for clarity on whether the new system will duplicate existing capabilities or if there are other, unaddressed issues with ICUMS that require immediate attention.
Concerns Over TRUEDARE Investments Limited
The advocacy group has also raised alarms over the legitimacy and capacity of TRUEDARE Investments Limited.
According to TAGG’s investigation into the company’s corporate records, TRUEDARE was only incorporated in December 2024, with minimal capital and no public history of managing large-scale customs systems or AI audits.
The company, registered in Cyprus, has only two EU-resident individual shareholders and one previous corporate shareholder, none of whom appear to have significant expertise in the field of digital customs solutions.
Without a proven track record in the sector, TAGG argues that it is risky for Parliament to award such a crucial contract to a newly-formed company with no established experience or substantial capital backing.
“No Cost to the State” – But Who Pays?
One of the most contentious aspects of the agreement is the claim that the digital tracking system will be implemented “at no additional cost to the state.”
TAGG has called this claim into question, highlighting the reality that costs in trade facilitation must be borne by someone, whether through new fees or increased prices for consumers.
Will new charges be imposed on cargo, consignments, or transactions? Will these costs be passed on to traders, importers, or consumers, thus increasing the overall cost of doing business in Ghana?
Furthermore, TAGG is seeking clarity on whether there will be a revenue-sharing model with TRUEDARE and what the long-term financial implications of the contract will be.
The Need for Greater Transparency
The ICUMS system, which has been widely regarded as a success in reducing customs leakages and improving operational efficiency, has become central to the debate.
However, TAGG is concerned that rather than improving ICUMS with the addition of necessary AI and analytics modules, the government has opted for a new system altogether, potentially introducing unnecessary complexity and confusion.
Additionally, questions have been raised regarding issues like data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and the integration of the new system with existing platforms. The lack of clear answers to these questions could jeopardize the long-term viability of the project and ultimately harm traders and consumers.
TAGG’s Demands for Action
In response to these concerns, TAGG has made several demands:
- Full Disclosure of the TRUEDARE Contract
The government must make the entire agreement, including the financial model and technical details, publicly available, with only necessary security redactions.
2. Independent Technical and Value-for-Money Review
Parliament should commission an independent audit to assess any real gaps in the ICUMS system, determine whether these gaps can be addressed within the existing system, and evaluate whether the TRUEDARE system provides better value for money compared to alternatives.
3. Clarification on Who Ultimately Pays
The Ministry of Finance and GRA must clarify the remuneration model for TRUEDARE, any new or altered fees for traders, and the projected impact on the cost of doing business in Ghana.
4. Moratorium on Implementation Until Transparency Is Achieved
TAGG is calling for a temporary suspension of the TRUEDARE implementation until there is full transparency, and the long-term implications are reviewed by Parliament, private sector stakeholders, and civil society.
The introduction of ICUMS was initially hailed as a revolutionary step towards reducing customs leakages, improving efficiency, and boosting revenue.
TAGG acknowledges the successes of ICUMS, which has contributed to a significant increase in revenue since its introduction.
However, with the recent contract awarded to TRUEDARE Investments, there are serious questions about the need for a new system and the potential risks to Ghanaian traders, importers, and consumers.
TAGG is not opposed to technological advancement or the use of AI in customs processes but is deeply concerned about opaque contracts, lack of due diligence, and the potential for hidden costs.
The group insists that Ghanaian businesses deserve full transparency and accountability before any further steps are taken.
With the future of Ghana’s trade facilitation system potentially at stake, TAGG is calling on the government to heed the voices of industry stakeholders and ensure that the TRUEDARE agreement is fully examined and its implications clearly understood.
