The Ashanti Business Owners Association (ABOA) has called for the immediate suspension of the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for customs valuation and tariff classification at Ghana’s ports, warning of serious risks to trade, transparency and the broader economy.
In a press release dated March 31, 2026, the association urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division) and the Ministry of Finance to halt the full-scale rollout of the AI-driven system pending comprehensive stakeholder consultations.
“We respectfully call on the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance to suspend the full-scale deployment of AI-driven valuation and classification systems pending comprehensive stakeholder consultations.
“Address the high import duty cost to ensure full compliance and reduce the tendencies of undervaluation, misclassification, and import duty evasion. Publish clearer guidelines outlining how AI-generated values and classifications are derived,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the importance of digital transformation, ABOA argued that the current implementation raises “significant operational, legal and economic concerns” that must be addressed before any nationwide deployment.
Central to its demand is what it describes as a lack of transparency in the AI system, which it says operates largely as a “black box,” making it difficult for importers to understand how values and tariff classifications are determined. According to the association, this undermines due process and threatens fair trade practices.
ABOA further warned that the system could conflict with Ghana’s obligations under international trade agreements, including commitments under the World Trade Organisation framework, which emphasises predictability, advance rulings and expedited clearance processes.
The group also raised alarm over reports of arbitrary and inflated valuations, which it says are already increasing import duty costs and placing undue financial pressure on businesses.
“Without clear justification or a standardised appeal mechanism, businesses are left vulnerable to unnecessary financial burdens,” the statement noted.
It added that the apparent over-reliance on automated decision-making reduces human oversight and accountability, despite the complexity of customs procedures that often require professional judgment.
ABOA warned that the cumulative effect of these challenges could erode economic gains by increasing the cost of doing business, distorting pricing structures, and weakening supply chain planning.
As part of its recommendations, the association is calling for authorities to publish clear guidelines on how AI-generated values are derived, establish a transparent dispute resolution system, and adopt a hybrid model where AI serves only as a support tool subject to validation by qualified customs officers.
It also proposed piloting the system in controlled environments before any nationwide rollout.
“The integrity of Ghana’s trade ecosystem depends on fairness, predictability and adherence to internationally accepted standards,” the association said, urging authorities to recalibrate the initiative to ensure it facilitates trade rather than creating new barriers.
ABOA maintained that while innovation is necessary, it must not come at the expense of businesses and economic growth.
Click here to read the statement by ABOA
