…over mounting losses
By Evelyn ARTHUR
The Coalition of Traders and Freight Forwarder Associations has called on government to immediately suspend implementation of the Publican AI tool used by the Ministry of Finance and Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), citing significant disruptions to trade operations and mounting financial losses among members.
The group has issued a one-week ultimatum for government to also review the transit ban and operations of the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB), among other concerns.
According to the coalition, the newly introduced system – intended to streamline processes and enhance efficiency within the trade sector – has instead created operational bottlenecks, increased costs and heightened uncertainty across the business community.
Speaking at a press conference in Tema, General Secretary-Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) Paul Mensah said many traders and freight forwarders are struggling with adapting to the system, which they describe as complex and insufficiently tested prior to rollout.
He added that lack of adequate stakeholder consultation has exacerbated the situation, leaving industry players grappling with challenges which threaten business sustainability.
“We support lawful enforcement, revenue protection and technology where it strengthens compliance, transparency and fair trade. What we do not support is policy action that is rushed, unclear in scope, weak in consultation and disruptive to legitimate trade,” Mr. Mensah said.
The coalition – comprising GIFF, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG), Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana among others – raised concerns about recent policies affecting transit trade, Customs valuation and digital enforcement tools.
They argued that the restriction on land transit of selected goods, though presented as a revenue protection measure, has far-reaching implications. According to them, it signals a potential shift from a rules-based transit regime to an ad hoc control system that could deter shippers, corridor users, neighbouring states and logistics investors.
“You do not cure leakage by punishing compliant trade; you cure leakage by tightening intelligence and strengthening escort systems,” the coalition said.
The group further noted that the situation threatens business continuity and is increasing cost of goods. They cited inconsistencies in Customs valuation, noting that 17,600 bags of wheat bran were assessed at duties amounting to GH¢7.41million, with an actual payable duty of GH¢2.73million after exemptions.
In contrast, 10,000 bags of the same product attracted duties of GH¢14,814 in December 2025 and GH¢33,806 in March 2026, despite similar shipment conditions.
Mr. Mensah stressed that Ghana cannot operate a 24-hour economy under what he described as a “one-door decision trap”.
First Vice President of GUTA, Clement Boateng, described the implementation of Publican AI as “obnoxious” – arguing that its duty assessments are unfair and unsustainable for businesses.
“Duties that members used to pay have doubled and in some cases quadrupled. While government reports over a million cedis in daily revenue since the deployment of Publican AI, this is being achieved at the expense of Ghanaian consumers and against prevailing microeconomic conditions,” he said.
The General Secretary-Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana, Michael Obiri-Adjei, said the system’s operation appears inconsistent with local laws, World Trade Organisation rules and ECOWAS regulations.
“We are not against revenue generation, but it must not come at the expense of business owners. Any policy that is inimical to the business community ultimately affects the cost of living,” he said.
He called for immediate suspension of the system, a return to transaction-based valuation, full disclosure of contractual and technical documentation, an independent audit of the system’s performance and comprehensive stakeholder consultations.
President-Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG) Yaw Kyei also criticised the lack of stakeholder engagement, questioning the rationale for introducing a new system when the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) has consistently met revenue targets.
He further described the current review process under Publican AI as cumbersome and unclear, involving multiple layers of approvals and documentation.
Industry players are urging government to temporarily halt the system and undertake a comprehensive review, including capacity-building and technical adjustments to align the platform with operational realities.
They warned that failure to address these concerns could undermine trade efficiency and weaken confidence in Ghana’s trade facilitation framework.
As pressure mounts, attention now turns to policymakers – particularly the Ministry of Finance – to determine whether adjustments will be made or if implementation will proceed despite growing industry opposition.
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