The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has indicated that the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) will suspend the full rollout of its planned trade action against the Publican AI system following a high-level meeting between the two parties.
The meeting, held at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra on Monday, April 13, 2026, brought together GUTA leadership, representatives of freight forwarders’ associations, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, to address concerns raised by traders over the introduction and operation of the system.
In an earlier press statement signed by GUTA President Clement Boateng on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the association had directed freight forwarders and clearing agents to cease payment of duties and suspend operations from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026, as part of a nationwide trade action aimed at compelling the suspension of the Publican AI system for further stakeholder engagement.
However, following the meeting, GUTA agreed to suspend the full-scale rollout of the action to allow for further consultations, including a scheduled engagement with the Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, underscored the importance of dialogue and collaboration in resolving industry concerns, assuring traders that their issues would be addressed through the appropriate institutional channels.
He emphasised that the Authority remains committed to promoting a fair and efficient trading environment while ensuring that reforms within the sector serve the broader interest of the economy.
Officials of GUTA, on their part, welcomed the engagement but maintained their call for the suspension of the Publican AI system, urging further consultations to address concerns over rising duties, which they say are forcing many traders and manufacturers out of business.
