The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), together with members of the trading and importing community, has raised serious concerns over contractual arrangements between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and TRUEDARE Investment Limited, calling for greater transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement.
In a statement signed by TAGG’s leadership, the group criticised the GRA for seeking parliamentary approval for the contracts without prior consultation with key stakeholders, particularly traders and importers who are directly affected by the agreement.
According to TAGG, the lack of engagement undermines principles of transparency, inclusiveness and good faith in public procurement and policy implementation.
The statement was jointly signed by TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng, Vice President Samuel Asare Addo, Treasurer Irene Victoria Odoow, and General Secretary Nana Poku.
TAGG disclosed that following public concern, an appeal was submitted to the Presidency, which reportedly resulted in a directive for the GRA to review the contract to ensure transparency and accountability.
However, the group noted that the GRA has not formally communicated the outcome of any such review to stakeholders.
Instead, TAGG said the Authority organised a forum that focused largely on the economic benefits and valuation accuracy of customs Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, without addressing broader concerns relating to fairness, due process and stakeholder inclusion.
The group also questioned the qualifications and capacity of TRUEDARE Investment Limited, noting that the company is primarily known as a trading entity with no established track record in managing AI-driven customs systems for valuation and classification.
According to TAGG, this has raised widespread skepticism among traders and importers about the company’s technical competence and experience.
TAGG further expressed concern that capable and experienced local technology firms may have been sidelined in the contracting process, raising questions about value -for -money, fairness and competence.
The group warned that these unresolved issues have contributed to growing dissatisfaction and unrest within the trading community.
In pursuit of transparency, TAGG announced that it has submitted a formal application to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, requesting full disclosure of the contract details.
The group said this would allow for an independent assessment of whether the agreement aligns with its stated scope of work and complies with principles of fair competition.
TAGG stressed that the move was taken in good faith to protect the legitimate interests of traders and importers, promote transparency, and ensure a stable and peaceful business environment.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government institutions in the national interest.
Source: Classfmonline.com
