TAGG Calls for Immediate Suspension of Publican AI Customs System, Declares Industrial Action Over Valuation Disruptions
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has called for the immediate suspension and comprehensive review of the Publican AI customs valuation system, describing its continued operation as “catastrophic” for Ghana’s trading environment.
In a strongly worded statement, the group said despite ongoing engagements with government authorities and relevant stakeholders, the adverse effects of the system on importers and freight forwarders remain unresolved.
TAGG argued that the system has led to what it describes as excessive and unsustainable duty assessments, driven by “flawed AI-generated valuations,” alongside persistent delays in cargo valuation and clearance processes.
It further cited rising demurrage and storage charges on containerised goods, which it says are being compounded by the absence of a transparent and accessible valuation appeals mechanism.
The group also raised concerns about the governance structure of the system, alleging that it is being operated under questionable legal arrangements involving TRUEDARE Investment Limited, which it claims lacks the requisite experience and technical capacity to manage critical national data infrastructure.
TAGG has since initiated legal proceedings against the relevant authorities, while calling for urgent government intervention to address what it describes as a growing crisis in the trading and logistics sector.
The group is demanding the immediate suspension of the Publican AI customs system pending a full review, as well as the restoration of “lawful, transparent and predictable” valuation practices within the customs clearance regime.
It is also seeking the introduction of financial relief measures to mitigate what it describes as rising operational burdens on importers and traders.
As part of its escalation measures, TAGG has directed importers, traders, freight forwarders and affiliated stakeholders to wear red armbands in protest, while also announcing an industrial strike action across all ports and entry points from Monday, 13th to Friday, 17th, 2026.
The group said the action would involve a full withdrawal of services at key border posts and logistics corridors.
Despite the planned disruption, TAGG reiterated its commitment to lawful engagement and constructive dialogue with government, but stressed that it would continue to “defend the survival of Ghanaian businesses and the integrity of the trading system.”
