Freight forwarders and clearing agents say their strike at Ghana’s ports over the introduction of the Publican AI system is still ongoing, rejecting reports that it has been suspended.
The strike, which began on Monday, April 13, 2026, has disrupted port activities, with operators halting duty payments and withdrawing their services.
Earlier, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority suggested that the Ghana Union of Traders Association had agreed to suspend the full rollout of the action after talks with stakeholders.
However, the Joint Business Forum has described those claims as misleading and asked the public to disregard them.
In a statement signed by GUTA President Clement Boateng on Tuesday, April 14, the group clarified that although it has agreed not to escalate the situation following an appeal by the GSA’s CEO, Ransford Gyampo, the current strike by freight forwarders remains in force until further notice.
“The strike action which commenced on Monday, 13th April, 2026, remains in full force. Freight forwarders and clearing agents have ceased payment of duties and laid down their tools as earlier directed. Operations at the ports remain suspended.
“The Joint Business Forum agreed to suspend further intended line-up actions as part of our roadmap out of respect for Prof. Gyampo. This does not affect the current strike action by the Freight Forwarders and will continue as planned,” the statement said.
The Joint Business Forum, comprising key industry groups including the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, Association of Custom House Agents Ghana, Customs Brokers Association, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Traders Advocacy Group Ghana, and GUTA, said the decision followed a meeting with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority.
The group cited persistent challenges within the port system, including unpredictable and excessively high duty assessments, prolonged delays in cargo clearance, rising demurrage and rent charges, and the absence of an effective dispute resolution mechanism for valuation concerns.
It said these issues have created an unsustainable business environment for traders across the country.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the Joint Business Forum noted that it will participate in an emergency meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
However, it stressed that the withdrawal of services by freight forwarders and clearing agents will continue until concrete resolutions are reached.
“The Joint Business Forum remains open to dialogue at the emergency meeting slated for Thursday, 16th April, 2026. However, until concrete resolutions are reached, the withdrawal of services by freight forwarders and clearing agents continues,” the statement said.
The Forum urged members, stakeholders, and the general public to note that the strike remains ongoing at the ports.
The Publican AI system, introduced to modernise port operations, has generated intense debate within the shipping and logistics sector.
While authorities insist it will improve efficiency, transparency, and reduce delays, its rollout has faced strong resistance from key stakeholders, particularly freight forwarders.
