The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), alongside various freight forwarders and business groups, has agreed to suspend a planned industrial action regarding the implementation of the Publican AI system.
This decision follows a high-level meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026, involving the Joint Business Forum, the Deputy Minister of Finance, and the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The coalition noted that the suspension is the result of significant concessions made by the government during the discussions, which focused on the impact of the AI system on trade valuation and general business processes.
During the session, the business leaders presented four primary demands: the immediate suspension of Publican AI, the restoration of the previous appeals process for valuation with a 24-hour turnaround, full disclosure of the system’s operational framework, and clearer terms for involvement in a proposed oversight committee.
The government agreed to revert the valuation appeals process to its original structure, guaranteeing that all disputes will be resolved within 24 hours. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance committed to doubling the size of the appeals committee from six to twelve members.
The joint statement was signed by a broad spectrum of industry bodies, including GUTA, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), and several other major customs and importer associations.
Both parties have also scheduled a meeting for Monday, 20 April 2026, to jointly develop the terms of reference for a new multi-party committee.
Despite these agreements, the government stood its ground on the deployment of the Publican AI system, declining requests for its suspension. Officials maintained that any technical or operational grievances should be addressed through the newly proposed committee rather than by halting the technology entirely.
Similarly, the government refused to provide full disclosure of the system’s contractual and technical specifics, though it did concede that trade leaders would be permitted to interrogate the system and consult directly with its operators.
The Joint Business Forum expressed a measure of dissatisfaction with these remaining points of contention but acknowledged that the engagement was considerably more constructive than previous encounters.
However, the coalition emphasised that the industrial action has merely been postponed, not withdrawn.
The group reiterated its demand for the eventual suspension of the Publican AI system, citing a lack of transparency and a need for broader stakeholder engagement.
While the forum remains committed to continued dialogue, it warned that further action would be taken if necessary to safeguard fairness and stability within the Ghanaian trading environment.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
