Freight forwarders and clearing agents have been directed to suspend the payment of duties and lay down their tools from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026, as part of a nationwide trade action announced by the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA).

In a statement signed by GUTA President Clement Boateng on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the association said the decision follows unsuccessful engagements with government over challenges linked to the implementation of the Publican AI system at Ghana’s ports.

GUTA explained that despite ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the concerns, traders continue to face persistent operational difficulties affecting their businesses.

The association highlighted “unpredictable and excessively high duty assessments, prolonged delays in cargo clearance, mounting demurrage and rent charges, and the near absence of an effective and accessible system for resolving valuation disputes” as key concerns.

“These conditions have created an unsustainable trading environment and pose a serious threat to business continuity,” the statement noted.

As part of the directive, GUTA also instructed its members to temporarily halt all import activities until what it described as clarity and predictability are restored in the system.

The association is further calling for the immediate suspension of the Publican AI system in its current form, urging government to conduct a comprehensive review of its implementation.

“We urge the Government to act decisively to restore confidence, stability, and fairness within Ghana’s trade regime,” the statement added.

The planned industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt port operations if widely adhered to, as pressure mounts on authorities to address concerns surrounding the new system.