The Vice President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, Joseph Paddy, has expressed concern over what he describes as significant increases in import duties following the introduction of the Publican AI system for port clearance.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on 14 April, Mr Paddy characterised the situation as troubling, citing instances where duty charges have risen sharply beyond previous levels.
“For example, a product that used to attract about $70,000 duty on a Voxy is now going for about GH₵13.7 million,” he stated.
He questioned the basis for such increases, explaining that a declaration filed on 2 April for a 2012 Toyota Voxy had initially placed the duty value at approximately GH₵7.7 million.
“I can provide the evidence,” he added.
According to Mr Paddy, the AI-driven system is imposing a substantial financial burden on importers, affecting both business operations and capital.
“This is what the AI system is doing to the business community. It is not just taxing our companies, it is taxing our capital,” he said.
His remarks come amid the Ministry of Finance Ghana’s defence of the Publican AI system, following growing concerns raised by industry stakeholders, particularly freight forwarders.
Mr Paddy disclosed that multiple complaints have been submitted to the Ministry, alongside engagements with the Commissioner-General. He noted that although authorities claim the system has reduced some duty values by approximately 40 per cent, many importers are instead experiencing increases exceeding 100 per cent, with some cases reportedly rising by as much as 500 per cent.
He also raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the appeals process. According to him, whereas importers previously submitted appeals through Customs, they are now being redirected to the Ministry of Finance without clear guidance on the appropriate channels.
He further indicated that most appeals lodged so far have been unsuccessful.
Mr Paddy warned that the continued imposition of high duty values could have broader economic implications, including increases in the prices of goods and services.
He cited an example of a vehicle valued at about GH₵150,000 attracting a duty of nearly GH₵8 million, stressing that such costs would ultimately be transferred to consumers if the situation persists.
