Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the government to implement stringent safeguards in the rollout of artificial intelligence systems at Ghana’s ports, warning that inadequate regulation could undermine fairness in customs operations.

Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Employers’ Association on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Afenyo-Markin stressed that AI tools used in revenue collection and enforcement must be guided by clear legal, technical, and procedural standards.

He argued that such systems should be built on a rational and reformed duty structure, independently validated, and supported by a transparent and time-bound appeals process to address grievances from businesses.

According to him, the current deployment of the AI-powered customs assessment system appears to lack these critical safeguards. He expressed concern that key stakeholders, particularly within the business community, were not adequately consulted prior to its introduction.

Afenyo-Markin noted that the government’s admission that an appeals mechanism is still being developed raises questions about the preparedness and inclusiveness of the process leading up to the system’s implementation.

“The fact that the affected business community only learned of an appeals process being developed just before our engagement is itself telling,” he indicated, pointing to gaps in stakeholder engagement.

While reaffirming the Minority Caucus’ support for the use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and boost revenue mobilisation, he cautioned that poorly regulated deployment could worsen existing challenges.

He warned that applying AI systems to an unreformed duty regime without a functioning appeals structure risks entrenching unfair outcomes at a larger scale, rather than resolving them.

The Minority Leader further reiterated his caucus’ commitment to ensuring parliamentary oversight of the AI customs framework, emphasizing the need for accountability and proper regulation before any expansion of the system.

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