Ghana Grapples with Trade Modernization Challenges and Economic Pressures Amid Port Strikes and Infrastructure Delays

Ghana is currently navigating a period of significant industrial and economic tension as the government’s push for digital modernization at the ports meets fierce resistance from trade stakeholders. A coalition of freight forwarders, importers, and the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) have initiated nationwide strikes and protests against the ‘Publican AI’ customs valuation system. While the Ghana Revenue Authority and members of the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee defend the AI-driven system as essential for curbing revenue leakages and correcting valuation inconsistencies, traders claim it lacks transparency and has led to inflated duties. The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has amplified these concerns by filing a Right to Information request to the Ministry of Finance, demanding full disclosure of the contractual and legal frameworks governing the system’s operation.

Simultaneously, the government is attempting to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices through a four-week suspension of certain fuel taxes and levies. This intervention, estimated to cost the state up to GH"500 million a month for every one-cedi cut, aims to provide temporary relief to consumers and prevent further hikes in transport fares. However, the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has expressed skepticism, warning that such suspensions could lead to revenue shortfalls that jeopardize financial obligations to workers. Organised Labour is now preparing to engage the government in urgent negotiations regarding the national minimum wage and base pay adjustments to reflect the soaring cost of living.

In the infrastructure and energy sectors, progress remains a mix of strategic milestones and local frustrations. The government has reportedly cleared a $25 million debt to the contractor of the Suame Interchange project, with completion now targeted for 2027 under the ‘Big Push’ initiative. Conversely, in the Western Region, traditional leaders have warned of growing disillusionment among the youth due to delays in the Petroleum Hub project. While the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) continues to engage with chiefs in Jomoro and Lower Dixcove to secure land and support, the lack of tangible progress on job creation remains a point of contention for local residents.

The agricultural sector is also facing a duality of long-term industrialization and immediate financial distress. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) recently signed a landmark agreement with the Sentuo Group to establish a national fertilizer manufacturing plant, a move aimed at reducing import dependency and stabilizing prices. However, this development contrast sharply with the plight of cocoa farmers in regions like Berekum, where purchasing clerks report receiving threats from farmers who have not been paid since 2026. Members of Parliament have criticized the government for prioritizing non-essential expenditures over the welfare of cocoa producers who are vital to the national economy.

On the local governance front, municipal assemblies are intensifying regulatory enforcement to improve public safety and order. The Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly has announced a ban on foreigners and minors operating ‘Adedeta’ tricycles, citing widespread traffic violations and legal non-compliance. Similarly, the National Road Safety Authority has moved to ban Toyota Voxy vehicles from inter-city travel due to safety concerns, sparking protests from drivers who fear for their livelihoods. These regulatory actions, along with controversial demolitions in Kaajaano and Kasoa, reflect a broader national effort to balance development goals with safety and law enforcement, often at the cost of significant social friction.