The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has announced a nationwide suspension of import activities and duty payments in protest against challenges linked to the implementation of the Publican AI system at the country’s ports.
In a directive issued on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and signed by its President, Clement Boateng, the association instructed freight forwarders and clearing agents to halt all duty payments and withdraw their services from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, 2026.
According to GUTA, the decision follows unsuccessful engagements with government authorities to resolve persistent disruptions caused by the new system. Despite ongoing discussions, traders continue to face serious operational difficulties that are affecting their businesses.
The association highlighted several pressing concerns, including unpredictable and excessively high duty assessments, delays in cargo clearance, rising demurrage and rent costs, and the lack of a reliable mechanism for resolving valuation disputes.
GUTA warned that these issues have created an unsustainable trading environment, posing a significant threat to business continuity across the sector.
As part of the protest measures, traders have also been advised to temporarily suspend all import activities until there is greater clarity and consistency in the system.
The association is calling for the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system in its current form and is urging the government to conduct a thorough review of its implementation.
GUTA further appealed to authorities to take swift action to restore confidence, fairness, and stability within Ghana’s trade framework.
If widely observed, the planned industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt port operations, increasing pressure on policymakers to address traders’ concerns.
