Transport Minister to meet GUTA over dispute on Publican AI Port System on Thursday

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, is scheduled to meet with leaders of the Ghana Union of Traders Association on Thursday, April 16, to resolve mounting concerns surrounding the implementation of the Publican AI system used to clear goods at Ghana’s ports.

The planned talks come amid growing tension in the trading and logistics sector, following a directive by GUTA that prompted freight forwarders and clearing agents to embark on a sit-down strike on Monday, April 13. The industrial action has already begun to disrupt port operations, raising fears of delays in cargo clearance and potential economic ripple effects.

The aggrieved operators argue that the rollout of the Publican AI platform has not been accompanied by adequate consultation or clear communication, raising serious concerns about its operational impact on port efficiency, cost implications, and the broader trade facilitation environment.

Speaking to Citi FM after a meeting with the Ghana Shippers Authority on Monday, April 13, GUTA Vice President Joseph Paddy explained that the association had requested a temporary suspension of the system pending further engagement with the Transport Ministry.

“Beyond the sit-down strike by our agents, there are so many programmes and activities we want to embark on. We also told the chief executive officer that the programme should be suspended, but he gave us assurance that the transport minister was interested in this thing, but he has unfortunately travelled, and so we should give him two days.

"He will be meeting us on Thursday in the morning as soon as possible to solve all the challenges,” he said.

The introduction of the Publican AI system is intended to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the clearance of imports at Ghana’s ports by leveraging digital technology and automation. Authorities believe the system could reduce human interference, streamline documentation processes, and minimize corruption risks.

However, the system has faced resistance from key industry players, including clearing agents and freight forwarders, who argue that its implementation should be more inclusive and better coordinated. They continue to call for broader stakeholder engagement, proper training, and clarity on operational procedures before full-scale deployment.

Industry observers warn that prolonged disruptions could affect supply chains, increase the cost of doing business, and ultimately impact consumers if the impasse is not resolved quickly.

The outcome of Thursday’s meeting is therefore expected to be critical in determining whether the ongoing tensions will ease or escalate, as both government and private sector stakeholders seek a balanced solution that ensures efficiency without undermining industry confidence.