The 2026 Budget has introduced a major technological shift in Ghana’s revenue strategy as government seeks parliamentary approval for an AI-powered Trade Data Analytics System. This move reflects a growing commitment to digitisation and modern tools that can close revenue leakages, improve efficiency at the ports, and strengthen tax administration.
The proposed system is designed to analyse trade flows in real time, flag irregularities, and provide accurate data to guide enforcement agencies. By using artificial intelligence to track patterns in imports, exports, valuation, and compliance behaviour, government aims to reduce human interference and eliminate long-standing loopholes that affect revenue mobilisation.
The Finance Ministry notes that enhancing trade transparency is crucial to meeting revenue targets and supporting Ghana’s economic transformation agenda. The AI system is expected to help frontline institutions—such as the Ghana Revenue Authority and Customs Division—detect under-declaration, misclassification, smuggling, and other practices that contribute to revenue shortfalls.
With the economy gradually stabilising, the introduction of AI technology signals a shift toward smarter governance tools. It also positions Ghana among African countries adopting advanced digital solutions to strengthen public finance management.
If Parliament grants the expected approval, the rollout of the AI-driven system will mark one of the most significant upgrades in trade monitoring infrastructure, reinforcing government’s broader effort to lean on innovation to secure revenue and support national development.
