Publican AI Dispute: GUTA, Business Groups suspend strike after government concessions

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA), together with freight forwarders and other business groups, has suspended its planned industrial action after reaching a partial agreement with government officials.

The decision follows a meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, between the Joint Business Forum and representatives of government, including the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Discussions centred on concerns about the Publican AI system and its impact on trade valuation processes.

During the meeting, the business coalition outlined four key demands: the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system, restoration of the previous valuation appeals process with a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround time, full disclosure of the system’s operations, and clear terms for participation in a proposed multi-party committee.

According to the group, government agreed to reinstate the former appeals process and ensure that all valuation disputes are resolved within 24 hours. Authorities also committed to expanding the appeals committee from six to twelve members.

Both sides further agreed to jointly develop the terms of reference for the proposed multi-party committee at a meeting scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026.

However, government rejected calls to suspend the Publican AI system, maintaining that concerns should instead be addressed through the multi-party committee. It also declined to fully disclose the system’s contractual and technical details, although it indicated that stakeholders would be given the opportunity to engage with and assess the system.

While the Joint Business Forum acknowledged the concessions made, it noted that it remains dissatisfied with parts of the outcome. Nevertheless, it described the engagement as more productive than previous discussions.

The coalition emphasised that the suspension of its industrial action is temporary and not a withdrawal, adding that its next steps will depend on the outcome of ongoing engagements.

It reiterated its call for the suspension of the Publican AI system, stressing the need for broader stakeholder consultation and greater transparency.

The statement was jointly signed by GUTA, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), the Association of Custom House Agents of Ghana (ACHAG), the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), the Coalition of Importers and Exporters, and the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG).