The Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, is set to engage the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association on Thursday, April 16, as government moves to address growing concerns over the rollout of the Publican AI system at the country’s ports.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising tension within the trading and logistics sector, following a directive from GUTA that triggered a sit-down strike by freight forwarders and clearing agents on Monday, April 13.
The industrial action is in protest against what stakeholders describe as inadequate consultation and limited clarity surrounding the implementation of the system.
Although the Publican AI platform has been introduced to improve efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance, it has faced strong pushback from sections of the trading community.
Speaking to Citi News after a meeting with the Ghana Shippers Authority, GUTA Vice President Joseph Paddy said the association had requested a temporary suspension of the system to allow for further engagement.
“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 the matter. He had travelled, but we were told to give him two days as he will meet us on Thursday morning to resolve the challenges,” he said.
The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on the implementation framework of the Publican AI system, stakeholder concerns about its impact on business operations, and possible adjustments to ease the transition.
With port activities serving as a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, any prolonged disruption is likely to affect trade flows, supply chains, and businesses across the country.
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