GUTA Clashes with Government Over Publican AI, Declares Industrial Action
Directive follows failed talks with government over challenges linked to the Publican AI system at ports
- GUTA has directed traders, freight forwarders, and clearing agents to suspend imports and duty payments from April 13 to 17, 2026
- The action is in protest against challenges linked to the Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports
- The association is calling for the suspension and full review of the system to restore fairness and stability in trade operations.
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has instructed freight forwarders and clearing agents to suspend duty payments and halt operations from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026, as part of a nationwide protest over concerns surrounding the Publican AI system.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and signed by its President, Clement Boateng, the association explained that the directive follows failed negotiations with government regarding challenges arising from the system’s rollout at Ghana’s ports.
GUTA indicated that traders are still grappling with serious operational difficulties despite ongoing engagements aimed at resolving the issues.
Among the major concerns listed were erratic and excessively high duty charges, delays in clearing goods, increasing demurrage and rent costs, and the lack of an efficient mechanism to address valuation disputes.
According to the association, these challenges have created an unbearable business environment and threaten the survival of many trading enterprises.
Beyond the strike action, GUTA also urged its members to temporarily suspend all import activities until stability and transparency are restored within the system.
The group further called for the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system in its current state and appealed to authorities to conduct a thorough review of its implementation.
GUTA stressed the need for swift government intervention to rebuild trust, ensure fairness, and restore stability in the country’s trading sector.
If widely adhered to, the industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt port operations, as traders mount pressure on authorities to address their concerns.
