By Philip Antoh
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has announced that the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) will delay the complete implementation of its planned trade action against the Publican AI system after a high-level meeting between both parties.
The meeting took place at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra on Monday, April 13, 2026, and included GUTA leaders, representatives from freight forwarders’ associations, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, to discuss the concerns raised by traders regarding the system’s introduction and operation.
In a previous press release signed by GUTA President, Clement Boateng, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the association instructed freight forwarders and clearing agents to stop paying duties and halt operations from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026, as part of a nationwide trade action aimed at forcing the suspension of the Publican AI system for more stakeholder discussions.
However, after the meeting, GUTA decided to postpone the full rollout of the action to allow for additional consultations, including a planned meeting with the Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, highlighted the significance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing industry issues, assuring traders that their concerns would be handled through the proper institutional channels.
He stressed that the GSA is dedicated to fostering a fair and efficient trading environment while ensuring that sector reforms benefit the wider economy.
GUTA officials, for their part, appreciated the engagement but reiterated their demand for the suspension of the Publican AI system, calling for further discussions to tackle concerns about increasing duties, which they claim are driving many traders and manufacturers out of business.
Meanwhile, a coalition of trade and freight forwarders’ associations has announced a coordinated four-day strike action at the Tema Port, warning of significant disruptions to port operations over what they describe as operational challenges associated with the introduction of a new public and AI-driven system.
The group claims that the system has resulted in more responsibilities and inefficiencies, insisting that its implementation should be halted immediately for further review.
During a press briefing to announce the industrial action, Paul Kobina Mensah, the General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, declared the beginning of the coordinated strike, warning that the action could escalate if their concerns are not addressed.
He mentioned that traders and freight forwarders were united in their choice to stop essential activities at the port, such as paying duties and processing imports.
“We are initiating a four-day coordinated strike starting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14, through Friday, April 17. After that, traders will be asked to continue their actions into the following week until our issues are heard,” he stated.
He also noted that members had been encouraged to suspend imports and payments, arguing that it was impractical to continue clearing goods under what they called an unstable system.
“We will not be paying the duties tomorrow. Some payments are made online, and we are keeping track of that. We will also not be processing online payments,” he indicated.
Mr. Mensah further urged for the creation of a structured governance framework for port operations, suggesting a high-level regulatory body to oversee policy, enforcement, and certification across key agencies, including finance, trade, transport, and safety.
He contended that such a structure should be clearly defined, transparent, and backed by documented procedures to ensure clarity in appeals and administrative processes.
“We need a professional system with fully documented and published procedures so that everyone understands the process,” he said.