Some GRA, Finance Officials Undermining Govt Position with AI-Based Ports Deal — AFRICOM Boss Alleges

Concerns have been raised over allegations that some officials within the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance may be acting contrary to government policy regarding the proposed deployment of Advanced Warning System (AWS) Incorporated’s IGRIS cargo scanners.

Mr. Abednego Orstin Rawlings, President of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)–Ghana, has alleged that certain officials are attempting to divert the proposed government-to-government Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) arrangement toward a private-sector contract.

According to him, Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated — a global provider of high-precision cargo and security scanning technology — operates strictly under a sovereign government-to-government model and does not sell or license its systems to private entities.

He cautioned that any move to involve private firms in the project could undermine the integrity of the arrangement and contradict the intended policy direction of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

Government-to-Government Framework
Mr. Rawlings explained that Advanced Warning System’s Build-Operates-Transfer (BOT), model allows the company to finance, install and operate the system for 10 to 12 years before transferring full ownership to the Government of Ghana.

He described the structure as one designed to safeguard national security, ensure transparency, and maintain state control over critical border infrastructure,he indicated.

“Advanced Warning System (AWS) Incorporated will not and must not entertain private businesses under any circumstances.

Only the Government of Ghana can do business with Advanced Warning System,” he stressed.

He added that under the arrangement, AWS provides significant upfront investment through its financial partners to support implementation.

SEFABED’s Position
SEFABED Company Limited, the Ghanaian firm representing AWS locally, has maintained that it is the sole authorised entity to introduce Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated to the Government of Ghana and facilitate engagements under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), framework.

In a statement, the company said it possesses official correspondence from the Ministry of Transport confirming its involvement in discussions surrounding the proposed deployment of IGRIS scanners.

“SEFABED Company Limited was, is and remains the only company in Ghana and West Africa authorised to introduce Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and other Heads of State,” the statement said.

The company also noted that Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated submitted a proposal to a previous administration in November 2021, but the process did not progress.

Security and Integrity Concerns
Mr. Rawlings warned that allowing private entities to operate artificial intelligence-based cargo scanning systems outside the Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated IGRIS SCANNERS framework could pose risks to national security, he stated.

He argued that private operators might cite technical faults, power failures, or logistical challenges — despite Advanced Warning Systems(AWS), Incorporated having solar backup — potentially not allowing certain cargo to pass unchecked.

“This creates the risk that containers could be cleared without proper inspection, enabling the importation of prohibited or dangerous goods into Ghana,” he said.

He emphasized that maintaining state oversight is critical to preventing operational loopholes and safeguarding national interests.

Ministry Engagement
Mr. Rawlings indicated that the Ministry of Transport has expressed interest in deploying Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated IGRIS scanners across multiple transport sectors and has hosted technical presentations on the system.

According to SEFABED, directors at the Ministry expressed strong appreciation for the technology during earlier engagements, with any future steps expected to undergo parliamentary approval and the national procurement process.

Advanced Warning Systems(AWS), Incorporated the company noted, are currently deployed at entry points across the United States and several Western countries.

The firm reiterated that under Advanced Warning System(AWS), Incorporated policy, full ownership of the system reverts to the host nation after the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession period.

“Just as Ghana owns and operates Tema and Takoradi Ports, Ghana must also own and operate the entire IGRIS scanning system — without exception,” SEFABED stated.

Call for Oversight
The allegations come amid ongoing efforts to modernise Ghana’s ports and border security infrastructure.

While neither the Ghana Revenue Authority nor the Ministry of Finance has publicly responded to the claims, the issue is likely to attract attention given its implications for national security and public procurement.

Observers say clarification from the relevant authorities may be necessary to ensure transparency and safeguard public confidence in the process.