Tema Port, Coalition Of Trade And Freight Forwarders Give Govetnment Two -Weeks Ultiatum Over Controversial Publican AI System.
A coalition of trade and freight forwarder associations has issued a two-week ultimatum to government to suspend the implementation of the Publican AI system or face unspecified industrial action.
The system, introduced by the Ministry of Finance, was rolled out on March 12, 2026, across Ghana’s ports as part of efforts to streamline operations and enhance revenue collection.
However, the coalition argues that the implementation has been fraught with significant challenges, which they say are negatively impacting business operations at the ports.
According to the group, key concerns include excessive and unsustainable duty assessments, the inability of the AI system to accurately value used and non-standard goods, and the risk of embedded overvaluation, among other issues.
At a press conference, the coalition stated that these challenges are driving up the cost of doing business, with a ripple effect on the prices of goods on the local market, ultimately burdening the ordinary Ghanaian.
The group further revealed that several letters addressed to the Ministry of Finance outlining their concerns have yielded no response.
Addressing the media, Chairman of the Concerned Freight Forwarders and Traders Association of Ghana, Oheneba Kwasi Afawuah, stressed that the coalition would be forced to take further action should government fail to suspend the system within the stipulated two-week period.
Convener of the coalition of importers, exporters, traders, and freight forwarders, Michael Obiri Adjei, also highlighted the rising cost of doing business at the ports, calling for the immediate cancellation of the Publican AI system.
Similarly, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, Clement Boateng, noted that since the system’s implementation, duty valuations have surged, placing undue pressure on traders.
He echoed calls for its cancellation, warning that the association would “advise itself” if their concerns are not addressed.
General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Paul Kwabina Mensah, also reiterated the coalition’s concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
REPORTER: AHIABOR AUGUSTINE.
