The Ghana Union of Traders' Associations suspended its strike action against the Publican AI customs system on 13 April, hours after directing freight forwarders and clearing agents to halt duty payments and cease operations at the ports.
The suspension followed a meeting at Ghana Shippers' House in Accra involving GUTA leadership, freight forwarder associations, the Ghana Shippers' Authority, and government representatives. GSA CEO Professor Ransford Gyampo said concerns raised by traders would be addressed through appropriate institutional channels. A meeting with Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari is scheduled for Thursday 16 April.
GUTA had originally directed members to stop operations from 13 to 17 April and to halt all import activities until clarity and predictability were restored. The association cited unpredictable and excessively high duty assessments, prolonged delays in cargo clearance, and mounting demurrage and rent charges.
The strike is suspended, not cancelled. No specific government concessions were announced. The Publican AI system remains operational at Tema Port, where it has been flagging $3 million to $3.5 million per day in potential undervaluation revenue since going live on 11 March.
GUTA's action follows a broader opposition campaign. A coalition of seven trade organisations — including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders and the Customs Brokers Association — had previously demanded suspension of the system, citing concerns about an internal GRA memo directing officers to apply only higher values and potential conflicts with the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation.
The Thursday meeting will determine whether the government offers operational changes or GUTA escalates.
