Publican AI system doesn’t determine values, it flags suspicious transactions – GRA Boss

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Sarpong, has clarified that the newly introduced Publican AI system does not set the value of imported goods but rather identifies suspicious declarations for further review. The clarification comes amid growing concerns among importers and clearing agents about the role of automation in customs valuation.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, April 10, Mr Sarpong explained how the system works following concerns about whether it would automatically determine values for imports. His comments aim to reassure stakeholders about transparency and fairness in the process.

Responding to a question on the issue, he stated, “Let me be clear, Publican does not determine values. It flags suspicious transactions.” This distinction is important in addressing fears that artificial intelligence could override human judgment in customs procedures.

He explained that the system identifies different forms of risk in import declarations, including concerns related to the origin of goods, helping authorities focus on high-risk consignments.

“One, in the area of narcotics and all that, it can flag and say these goods are coming from a country of high narcotic or a source of banned substances, so watch it,” he said. This function strengthens border security and compliance with international trade regulations.

Mr Sarpong said another key area the system examines is the declared value of goods. According to him, Publican relies on real-time global data to assess whether declared prices fall within a reasonable range, improving accuracy in valuation checks.

“The way Publican works is that it looks at real-time global data and says, let’s say you went to buy rice, it will look at the data and determine the highest and lowest prices that commodity has been sold for,” he explained. This data-driven approach helps identify anomalies in pricing.

He added that when an importer’s declared value falls within that range, the system raises no concern, allowing legitimate transactions to proceed without delays.

“If the importer’s declaration is within that range, Publican gives it a green, because it means you are within the possible lowest and highest price,” he said. This ensures smoother clearance for compliant importers.

However, where the declared value falls outside the known range, the system flags it for further checks, prompting additional scrutiny by customs officials.

“If you are below it, then Publican will say we’ve never seen this price before, so I’m flagging it for the officer to deal with,” he noted. Such flags help detect possible under-declaration or misreporting.

Mr Sarpong said that such flags do not automatically mean wrongdoing, as there may be valid explanations for lower prices, including discounts or bulk purchase agreements.

“Sometimes somebody may have negotiated a better deal than what exists in the global system. If you can provide proof that your price is genuine, the appropriate body will uphold it,” he said. This ensures fairness and flexibility in the system.

He also pointed out that certain importers who bring in large volumes may already have approved pricing arrangements, which would be taken into account during the review process, preventing unnecessary disputes.

According to him, the final decision on valuation still rests with customs officers, not the AI system, preserving human oversight in the process.

“To confirm, Publican does not determine values. It flags and allows officers to go into the matter and determine what value should be used for duty assessment,” he said. This reinforces the supportive role of technology rather than replacing human authority.