The Executive Secretary of theImporters and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, has opposed calls to suspend the controversial customs AI valuation system, insisting it is necessary to curb under-declaration and protect government revenue.

Speaking on theAsaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (14 April), Awingobit argued that while concerns raised by traders are valid, scrapping or suspending the system is “premature” and risks reversing gains made in improving compliance at the ports.

“I cannot defend companies or individuals who do not want to be tax-compliant,” he said, stressing that the focus should be on protecting honest importers rather than shielding those who under-declare goods.

The AI-driven valuation system, introduced to detect discrepancies in import declarations, has sparked tensions within the trading community, with some groups calling for its suspension.

However, Awingobit maintained that the system is already yielding results, revealing cases where importers admitted to under-declaring and paid the appropriate duties after being flagged.

He cited broader economic reforms — including the removal of the e-levy and COVID-19 levy and reductions in VAT components — as evidence that government has supported the business community and deserves compliance in return.

“If government has done all these things, why should we still under-declare?” he questioned.

Rather than halting the system, Awingobit called for improvements in its implementation, particularly speeding up the appeals process to reduce delays and costs such as demurrage.

He noted that customs authorities have already begun decentralising some processes, allowing certain disputes to be resolved directly without escalation to higher committees.

Awingobit also proposed that authorities publish names of companies found culpable of under-declaration to deter non-compliance and promote transparency.

“We have a responsibility as a country,” he said. “We must think Ghana first.”

While rejecting calls for industrial action, he urged stakeholders to return to the negotiating table, revealing that key ministers — including Finance, Transport, and Trade — are ready to engage industry players.

“Government doors are open,” he said, encouraging traders to pursue dialogue rather than disruption.