The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has defended the government’s decision to implement the Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports, despite considerable opposition from trade groups concerned about its effects on operational costs and business efficiency. Amid these stakeholder concerns, Ampem emphasized that the AI-driven initiative is crucial for enhancing customs operations and improving revenue collection, addressing historical inefficiencies that have led to significant revenue losses. This rollout is part of broader public financial management reforms, which include the establishment of a Public Financial Management Systems Division in March 2026 to oversee these crucial changes.

Finance Ministry: Ghana’s Ministry of Finance manages fiscal policies, public expenditure, and revenue mobilization through customs and other channels. In March 2026, it established the Public Financial Management Systems Division to oversee reforms in public finance systems. The ministry recently defended the rollout of the Publican AI system at ports to improve transparency and close revenue loopholes amid trader backlash.
Thomas Nyarko Ampem: Thomas Nyarko Ampem is a Ghanaian politician serving as Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Constituency since 2017. He contributes to committees on judiciary and human rights issues. He spoke at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to justify the Publican AI introduction for modernizing customs administration.

`json
{
“PFM Reforms”: “The Ministry established the Public Financial Management Systems Division to drive systemic changes in public finance as part of broader reforms.”,
“System Purpose”: “The Publican AI system is designed to support customs officers by cross-referencing declarations with global pricing benchmarks.”,
“Trader Concerns”: “Trade groups, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association, have called for the suspension of the Publican AI system due to its impact on port costs and business operations.”
}
`