The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has declared its full support for the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) System now operating at Ghana’s ports, dismissing claims that it still opposes the technology as “misleading and outdated.”
In a statement, IEAG said recent attempts by individuals and groups to recycle its December 18, 2025 media position were aimed at creating the false impression that the Association remains against the system.
Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit clarified that the concerns IEAG raised in 2025 were legitimate at the time. They centered on inadequate stakeholder consultation, data security, transparency, and system integration.
He noted that IEAG, along with other industry players, had called for broader engagement to ensure any tech transition at the ports would be credible, secure, and beneficial.
Following those concerns, the Government, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), held extensive engagements with stakeholders including IEAG
Awingobit described the engagements as constructive, adding that they addressed the key issues raised and showed clear government commitment to strengthening the system’s implementation framework.
“Based on these consultations and the good faith shown by government, the IEAG wishes to state unequivocally that it supports the Publican AI System, which has since been rolled out,” he said.
IEAG acknowledged that the rollout has faced some operational challenges, which it described as common with major policy and tech reforms. However, the Association said ongoing efforts by authorities, including responses to concerns raised at stakeholder forums, affirm government’s commitment to making the system efficient and effective.
The Association highlighted key benefits of the system: enhanced revenue mobilisation, improved transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and minimised unethical practices at the ports. IEAG called it a critical step toward modernising Ghana’s trade facilitation and boosting economic growth.
IEAG cautioned the public to disregard attempts to use its outdated position to serve “narrow or parochial interests,” saying such moves misrepresent the Association and undermine national progress.
“The Association will not allow itself to be used as a tool for propaganda or any agenda that does not advance the collective interest of importers, exporters, and the Ghanaian economy,” the statement added.
IEAG reaffirmed its commitment to reforms that improve port efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks, protect national revenue, and promote fair competition. It urged all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the Publican AI System in the national interest.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region
