Paperless Ports, Persistent Corruption: Why Ghana’s Digital Trade Reforms Haven’t Ended Corruption

In July 2025, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a full review of revenue collections at Tema Port, Ghana’s largest and busiest port. The move came after reports showed that government earnings were not keeping up with increasing cargo volumes, suggesting that some revenue might be slipping through the system.

President Mahama made the announcement during a meeting with the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), emphasizing the need to ensure that every cedi owed to the government is properly collected. “Even with modern digital and paperless systems, we must make sure that our processes are fully effective,” he said.

The directive followed a Cabinet report highlighting a worrying gap between the amount of trade passing through the port and the revenue recorded. While digitization and paperless clearance systems were introduced to streamline operations and reduce human error, the findings suggested that these systems alone were not enough to prevent potential leakages.

The Importance of Tema Port

Tema Port is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, handling millions of tons of cargo every year. It serves as the main gateway for imports and exports, from consumer goods to industrial materials. Efficient revenue collection is crucial for funding public services, supporting infrastructure, and boosting national development.

Recent efforts to modernize the port included digital tracking and paperless documentation, designed to speed up clearance and reduce opportunities for corruption. While these reforms have improved efficiency, the Cabinet report and the President’s actions reveal that weaknesses remain in monitoring revenue collection.

Why the Audit Matters

Revenue leakages at ports are a challenge worldwide, often caused by human error, weak oversight, or deliberate manipulation. In Ghana, the gap between trade volume and revenue collection points to processes that may not be fully effective. The audit will examine all aspects of Tema Port’s operations, including customs procedures, cargo handling, and billing systems, to identify where losses are occurring.

Experts stress that audits are not just about correcting problems they are a preventive measure. By identifying weaknesses, the government can implement stronger controls, protect public resources, and restore confidence in the system.

Impact on Traders and Businesses

For importers, exporters, and freight operators, the audit signals a focus on accountability. While the review may involve closer scrutiny of daily operations, it also promises benefits: a transparent and fair system reduces corruption, levels the playing field, and creates a predictable environment for legitimate businesses.

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders welcomed the President’s directive, noting that collaboration between government authorities and private operators is key to improving efficiency and transparency. A fair and accountable port system enhances Ghana’s reputation as a reliable trade hub in the region.

Challenges and Opportunities

Modern digital systems have made port operations faster and more efficient, but technology alone cannot solve all challenges. Effective revenue collection requires oversight, staff training, and regular review. The audit offers an opportunity not only to uncover gaps but also to strengthen processes to prevent future losses.

The findings at Tema Port may also provide lessons for other ports and trade corridors across Ghana. Improving revenue management at one hub could serve as a model for broader reforms in the country’s trade infrastructure.

A Commitment to Transparency

President Mahama’s actions reflect a commitment to transparency and good governance. By addressing weaknesses, the government aims to ensure that trade contributes fully to the nation’s development. Public confidence in key institutions is closely linked to how effectively government revenue is managed, and audits like this demonstrate active oversight and accountability.

Looking Ahead

The audit is expected to be comprehensive, covering cargo management, customs clearance, and billing processes. While there may be temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits include stronger revenue systems, improved efficiency, and a more transparent trade environment.

As Ghana continues to modernize its ports and embrace digital technologies, the Tema Port audit shows that oversight and accountability remain essential. Technology can improve operations, but it must be paired with diligence, clear rules, and regular review to ensure results are effective and sustainable.

Conclusion

The revenue audit at Tema Port represents an important step in safeguarding Ghana’s trade revenue and strengthening governance. President Mahama’s directive highlights the importance of transparency, collaboration, and accountability. While digital and paperless systems have modernized port operations, this review reminds us that technology alone cannot prevent revenue losses.

Through thorough review and corrective measures, the government aims to recover lost revenue and build a more reliable, efficient, and fair system for the future. For citizens, businesses, and policymakers, the audit reinforces a key principle: sustainable economic growth depends on systems that combine modern technology with oversight, integrity, and accountability.