Tensions are rising across Ghana’s ports following a directive by the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) demanding the immediate suspension of the Publican AI customs valuation system.
GUTA has instructed freight forwarders and clearing agents to halt duty payments and suspend operations from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026. According to the association, the system in its current form has led to major disruptions in trade, including delays in cargo clearance and a sharp increase in the cost of doing business.
The concerns are not limited to GUTA alone. Earlier this month, a coalition of key industry players—led by the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) and including groups such as CUBAG, ACHAG, FFAG, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TAGG, and Exim Frozen Foods—also called for the system to be reviewed or suspended. The coalition argues that Publican AI is creating operational bottlenecks, financial losses, and widespread uncertainty within the trading sector.
With multiple groups now aligned in opposition, fears are growing that the situation could escalate into a broader shutdown of clearing activities at the ports.
Traders say they are facing inconsistent and excessively high duty assessments, prolonged delays in clearing goods, and rising demurrage and rent charges. They also point to the absence of a clear and accessible dispute-resolution process to challenge valuations.
Industry observers warn that the impact of these disruptions could extend beyond importers. Delays at the ports have ripple effects on transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and ultimately consumer prices especially for time-sensitive goods.
The resistance is also taking a more organized turn. The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has threatened mass industrial action within the same period, signaling a coordinated push against the system rather than isolated complaints.
At the heart of the issue is not opposition to digitalisation itself, but concerns about how the system has been implemented. Stakeholders are calling for greater transparency, alignment with international valuation standards, and the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism.
Despite the backlash, government has defended the rollout. The Ministry of Finance maintains that Publican AI is part of efforts to modernize customs operations, improve efficiency, and safeguard state revenue. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) also insists the system is helping to identify revenue leakages and does not arbitrarily determine customs values.
However, with pressure mounting from traders, freight forwarders, and industry groups, the coming days will be critical. A sustained halt in clearing activities could significantly slow cargo movement and disrupt supply chains, potentially affecting the availability and pricing of goods across the country.
For now, stakeholders are united in their demand: suspend the system, review its framework, and engage industry players to restore confidence before the situation escalates into a full-blown trade crisis.
