The Coalition of Traders and Agents are calling for the immediate review or suspension of the directive governing the application of the Publican AI system in customs valuation, citing concerns over its legality, transparency and impact on businesses.
Addressing a press briefing in Tema, the General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Mr. Paul Kobina Mensah, stressed the need for the system to be aligned with international valuation principles and the provisions of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).
According to the him, the current implementation of the AI-driven valuation tool risks introducing arbitrary assessments into the customs process, potentially undermining fairness and predictability in international trade.
Beyond the suspension of the directive, Mr. Mensah outlined additional measures to address challenges within the trade ecosystem. These include the urgent establishment of an independent and accessible appeals mechanism to resolve disputes arising from valuation and clearance processes.
He also called for the decentralisation of valuation functions to reduce delays and associated port charges, arguing that the present system contributes to inefficiencies and increased cost of doing business.
He further emphasised the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the formulation and implementation of trade policies, particularly those relating to the transit regime and digital systems.
In addition, Mr. Mensah urged authorities to ensure that all interventions within the customs space strictly comply with existing legal frameworks, warning against arbitrary practices that could erode confidence in the system.
The coalition also advocated a downward review of fees and charges imposed by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, noting that the cumulative financial burden on traders remains unsustainable.
The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Mr. Clement Boateng averred that importers are being short-changed by government through high import duties following the rollout of the Publican AI system.
He maintained that addressing these concerns is critical to restoring trust, improving trade facilitation and safeguarding Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
The President of the Association of Custom House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), Mr. Yaw Kyei called urged government to always engage stakeholders before rolling out directives that impact their work.
