Transport Minister to meet GUTA over Publican AI

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, is expected to meet with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, to address mounting concerns over the rollout of the Publican AI system used in the clearance of goods at the country’s ports.

The engagement follows a directive by GUTA that led freight forwarders and clearing agents to embark on a sit-down strike on Monday, April 13, 2026.

During an interview on Citi News, the Vice President of GUTA, Joseph Paddy, indicated that the association had formally requested a temporary suspension of the Publican AI system pending further discussions with the transport minister.

Freight Forwarders 'clash' with Awingobit over Publican AI System

“Beyond the sit-down strike by our agents, there are so many programmes and activities we want to embark on. We also told the chief executive officer that the programme should be suspended but he gave us assurance that the transport minister was interested in this thing but he has unfortunately travelled and so we should give him two days. He will be meeting us on Thursday in the morning as soon as possible to solve all the challenges,” he said.

The industrial action is aimed at protesting what the aggrieved members describe as a lack of adequate consultation and clarity surrounding the implementation of the new system.

The Publican AI system, which has been introduced to enhance efficiency and transparency in the clearance of imports, has however, been met with strong resistance from key players in the sector.

The meeting between the transport minister and GUTA leadership is expected to address on key issues, including the implementation framework of the Publican AI system, stakeholder concerns about its impact, and possible adjustments or timelines that could ease the transition.

SO/SA