The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has declared a nationwide strike beginning Monday, April 13, in protest against the implementation of the Publican AI customs valuation system at Ghana’s ports.
The group argues that the AI-driven system has led to excessive and automated import valuations, significantly increasing the cost of clearing goods. Traders say this has placed heavy financial pressure on importers and made business operations increasingly difficult. TAGG also claims the system lacks transparency, resulting in arbitrary and unpredictable pricing for imported goods.
As part of the industrial action, importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders have been directed to wear red armbands and participate in the strike across all ports and entry points.
Government, however, has defended the system, describing it as a key reform aimed at modernising port operations and protecting national revenue. Officials cite large discrepancies in import declarations between 2020 and 2025 and say the AI system will help reduce undervaluation and misclassification by relying on data-driven assessments.
Customs authorities have been instructed to prioritise valuations generated by the AI platform, with directives not to accept figures below system benchmarks.
TAGG’s General Secretary, Nana Poku, says the strike is intended to draw urgent attention to traders’ concerns, warning of possible further action if government fails to engage stakeholders and review the system.