Accra, Ghana – Traders across the country have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and suspend the newly introduced Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports, warning that the policy could cripple businesses due to surging import clearance costs.
According to the traders, prices of imported goods have already started rising significantly, squeezing their already narrow profit margins and increasing the financial burden on consumers.
The Publican AI system, designed to streamline import clearance procedures, has sparked debate within the shipping and logistics sector. Authorities have maintained that the initiative will enhance efficiency, improve transparency, and reduce cargo clearance delays.
Despite these assurances, the rollout has faced resistance from freight forwarders and clearing agents, who argue that the system has caused excessive charges and operational difficulties. Between April 13 and April 17, 2026, several stakeholders suspended duty payments and withdrew port services following directives from the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA). The strike was later called off after high-level discussions between GUTA and government officials.
Nevertheless, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has continued implementing the system. The Ministry of Finance established a stakeholder committee to review the rollout, but sources indicate that deliberations have slowed due to Ghana’s ongoing final engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Traders report dramatic increases in import costs. One importer disclosed that a container previously cleared for GH¢64,000 now costs nearly GH¢288,000, a spike he described as unbearable for businesses. Traders operating in key commercial hubs, including Kantamanto, Abossey Okai, and Ashaiman, also expressed concern that rising costs could further depress sales in a market where consumers are already struggling with economic hardship.
They are urging President Mahama and the government to review the Publican AI system urgently, warning that failure to act could drain business capital and negatively impact livelihoods nationwide.
