Spare parts dealers in Kumasi have threatened to increase the prices of their goods by between 50% and 70% if government maintains its implementation of the AI-driven import duty system, which they say is placing an unbearable burden on their operations.
The warning follows a demonstration staged today, Thursday, April 16, 2026, by members of the Kumasi Suame Spare Parts Dealers Association, who took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the introduction of artificial intelligence technology in the assessment of imported goods.
Speaking to the media, Chairman of the Association, Mr. Godfred Adu, explained that since the AI system began detecting and assessing their imported goods, many traders have become increasingly uncomfortable with the duties imposed.
According to him, the association is not opposed to paying taxes or embracing technological advancement. However, he stressed that the current system has significantly increased their financial burden, making it difficult for many businesses to survive.
He added that if urgent steps are not taken by the government to review and address their concerns, traders will be left with no choice but to pass on the cost to consumers through substantial price increases.
The association is therefore calling on authorities to engage them and implement measures that will ease the burden on dealers while ensuring fairness in the application of the new technology.
The demonstration highlights growing tension between traders and government over the use of digital systems in revenue collection, raising concerns about the broader impact on businesses and consumers alike.
