Freight forwarders to temporarily suspend operations over Publican AI system

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has raised serious concerns over ongoing disruptions in the trade sector, blaming the implementation of the Publican AI system for worsening conditions at the ports and affecting business operations nationwide.

In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, GUTA said repeated engagements with government had failed to resolve key challenges facing traders.

According to GUTA, the trading environment has become increasingly difficult due to a combination of unpredictable duty assessments, delays in cargo clearance, and rising operational costs.

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“Traders across the country continue to face unpredictable and excessively high duty assessments, prolonged delays in cargo clearance, mounting demurrage and rent charges, and the near absence of an effective and accessible system for resolving valuation disputes,” it noted.

GUTA warned that these challenges have created an unsustainable business climate, posing a serious threat to trade continuity and livelihoods.

In response, the association has directed a temporary withdrawal of services by key actors in the clearing and forwarding sector.

“GUTA hereby calls on all freight forwarders and clearing agents to cease payment of duties and lay down their tools from Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, 17 April, 2026, next week,” it noted.

The union urged its members to suspend import activities until clarity and stability are restored within the system.

It is also demanding urgent government intervention, including a review of the digital system currently in use at the ports.

“GUTA further calls for the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system in its current form and a comprehensive review of its application,” the statement added.

The Association urged government authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence in Ghana’s trade regime, stressing the need for fairness, predictability, and efficiency in port operations.

See the full statement below:

JKB/EB

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