The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has declared a nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, April 13, in protest against the implementation of the Publican AI customs valuation system at Ghana’s ports.
The group argues that the system has introduced elevated automated valuations, significantly increasing the cost of clearing goods and placing considerable financial pressure on importers. According to traders, the new framework has complicated business operations, with many struggling to manage what they describe as inflated and unpredictable charges.
TAGG further contends that the valuation process lacks transparency and consistency, resulting in what it characterises as arbitrary pricing of imported goods. The group notes that dissatisfaction is rising among traders nationwide, driven largely by uncertainty surrounding the AI-generated assessments.
As part of the planned protest, importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders have been urged to participate in the strike across all ports and entry points, including the wearing of red armbands as a symbol of solidarity.
The government, however, has defended the Publican AI system, describing it as a critical reform aimed at safeguarding national revenue and modernising port operations. Officials have cited discrepancies in trade declarations between 2020 and 2025, noting that imports estimated at approximately US$127 billion yielded only US$52 billion in declared customs value.
Authorities maintain that the system is designed to address practices such as undervaluation and misclassification by relying on data-driven assessments rather than manual processes. Customs officials have reportedly been instructed to base valuations primarily on outputs generated by the AI platform and to avoid approving figures below system benchmarks.
The government also asserts that the rollout followed extensive stakeholder consultations and will ultimately improve efficiency and transparency within the trade sector.
General Secretary of TAGG, Nana Poku, in an interview with Citi FM, stated that the strike is intended to draw urgent attention to traders’ concerns. He cautioned that the group may escalate its actions if authorities fail to review the system and engage stakeholders on the issues raised.
