The Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, is expected to hold a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) on Thursday, April 16, in a bid to address mounting concerns over the rollout of the Publican AI system used in the clearance of goods at the country’s ports.

The planned engagement comes at a time of heightened tension within the trading and logistics sector, following a directive by GUTA that led freight forwarders and clearing agents to embark on a sit-down strike on Monday, April 13.

The industrial action is aimed at protesting what the aggrieved members describe as a lack of adequate consultation and clarity surrounding the implementation of the new system.

The Publican AI system, which has been introduced to enhance efficiency and transparency in the clearance of imports, has however, been met with strong resistance from key players in the sector.

Speaking to Citi News after a meeting with the Ghana Shippers Authority on Monday, April 13, the vice president of GUTA, Joseph Paddy, indicated that the association had formally requested a temporary suspension of the Publican AI system pending further discussions with the transport minister.

“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.”

The upcoming meeting between the transport minister and GUTA leadership is expected to focus on key issues, including the implementation framework of the Publican AI system, stakeholder concerns about its impact, and possible adjustments or timelines that could ease the transition.

With port operations playing a vital role in Ghana’s economy, any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching consequences for trade, supply chains, and businesses nationwide.