The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA), freight forwarders, and other business groups have agreed to suspend their planned industrial action following what they describe as key concessions from the government after a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The decision follows a meeting between the Joint Business Forum and government officials on Thursday, April 16, 2026, where discussions focused on concerns over the Publican AI system and its impact on valuation and trade processes.
At the meeting, the business coalition presented four main demands, including the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system, restoration of the existing appeals process for valuation outcomes with a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround, full disclosure of the system’s operational details, and clearer terms for participation in a proposed multi-party committee.
According to the coalition, government agreed to revert the valuation appeals process to its previous structure and ensure that all appeals are resolved within 24 hours. The Ministry of Finance also committed to expanding the appeals committee from six to twelve members.
Both parties also agreed that the terms of reference for the proposed multi-party committee will be jointly developed on Monday, April 20, 2026.
However, government maintained its position on the Publican AI system, declining calls for its suspension. Officials said instead that concerns should be addressed through the proposed multi-party committee.
Government also refused to provide full disclosure of the contractual and technical details of the system, though it indicated that trade leaders would be allowed to interrogate the system and engage with its operators.
The Joint Business Forum said it remains dissatisfied with aspects of the outcome but welcomed the concessions made, describing the engagement as more constructive than previous meetings.
The coalition stressed that while its industrial action has been put on hold, it has not been withdrawn, and further steps will depend on the outcome of upcoming talks.
It reiterated its continued demand for the suspension of the Publican AI system, insisting that broader stakeholder engagement and transparency are needed.
The forum added that it remains committed to dialogue but will take further action if necessary to protect fairness and stability in Ghana’s trading environment.
The statement was signed by GUTA, Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Association of Custom House Agents of Ghana (ACHAG), Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), Coalition of Importers and Exporters, and the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG).
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