Stalemate Persists Over Publican AI System Suspension Despite Concessions by Finance Ministry
A meeting between the Joint Business Forum, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ghana Revenue Authority has ended without a resolution, as government declined a key request to immediately suspend the Publican AI valuation system.
The engagement saw the coalition of trade associations maintain a firm position, insisting on a halt to the AI-powered customs valuation tool, despite acknowledging certain concessions from the authorities.
In a statement jointly issued by leading associations including the Ghana Union of Traders Associations, Food and Beverage Association of Ghana, and Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, the group reiterated its demand for the system’s suspension.
“We wish to state unequivocally that we remain resolute in our demand for the suspension of the Publican AI system to allow for comprehensive stakeholder engagement, transparency, and necessary corrections to its implementation,” the statement noted.
Government, however, rejected the call for a suspension, urging the business community to instead channel their concerns through a proposed multi-stakeholder committee.
Despite the disagreement, both sides reached consensus on some procedural adjustments. The Ministry of Finance agreed to restore the previous appeals process for disputed valuation outcomes, with a commitment to resolve all appeals within 24 hours. The appeals committee is also to be expanded from six to twelve members to improve efficiency.
Additionally, both parties agreed to jointly outline the terms of reference for the multi-party committee at a follow-up meeting scheduled for April 20, 2026.
On transparency concerns regarding the operators of the Publican AI system, the Ministry held its position. While it will permit business leaders to engage with the system and interact with its operators, it ruled out any wider disclosure of contractual or technical information.
Although the Joint Business Forum expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, it acknowledged what it described as a more constructive posture from government compared to earlier engagements.
As a demonstration of goodwill, the coalition has suspended its planned industrial action pending the inaugural meeting of the multi-party committee. It, however, emphasised that the action has only been put on hold and not cancelled.
The outcome of the next engagement, the group indicated, will be closely assessed and will inform its subsequent course of action.
The ongoing deadlock highlights growing tensions between the trading community and the Ghana Revenue Authority over the implementation of artificial intelligence in customs valuation—a policy government maintains is aimed at enhancing efficiency and boosting revenue, but which traders argue lacks sufficient transparency and fairness.
