Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana Praises Progress, Raises Concerns on AI Port System
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has commended the government for progress made in revenue mobilisation, macroeconomic stabilisation, and trade facilitation reforms at Ghana’s ports. However, the association has raised concerns about the planned introduction of an AI-driven system at Ghana’s ports, citing issues with data security, compatibility with existing systems, and lack of transparency.
At a press conference in Accra, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit highlighted the association’s concerns about the reported award of a contract to Truedare Investments Limited, a Cyprus-registered company with no verifiable experience in port automation or AI systems.
“The reported AI system is expected to rely heavily on data generated from the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which is a strategic national data asset,” Awingobit said. “Allowing a newly incorporated foreign private company to depend on ICUMS data introduces risks, including data sovereignty risk, system duplication, and cybersecurity exposure.”
IEAG is calling for transparency, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building for Ghanaian customs officers and technical staff before implementing the AI system.
The association also praised the government’s economic policies, including the abolition of the COVID-19 levy and VAT reforms, which have contributed to a more predictable business environment.
Ghana’s ports have seen improved revenue collection, with customs revenue increasing to US$3,179,125,238.11 as of September 2025, up from US$3,108,226,482.40 in 2024.
IEAG is urging the government to prioritise data security, compatibility with existing systems, and stakeholder engagement in implementing the AI-driven port system.
