The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Minister for Transport to convene an urgent stakeholder meeting to address concerns surrounding the Container Administrative Charge (CAC) at Ghana’s ports.
The Association says reports that some shipping lines and their agents may be charging above the approved regulatory ceiling are creating uncertainty for importers and exporters while increasing the overall cost of doing business.
Concerns Over Container Administrative Charges
According to the IEAG, the approved ceiling for the Container Administrative Charge, commonly referred to as the local handling charge, is GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
The Association maintains that the directive remains in force and has been reinforced by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, which has called on shipping lines and their agents to comply with the approved charge.
The IEAG has expressed concern that charges above the approved ceiling could place additional financial pressure on businesses and undermine efforts to improve the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
Call for Urgent Stakeholder Engagement
The Association is therefore appealing to the Minister for Transport to bring all relevant stakeholders together to address the matter.
The proposed engagement would involve key institutions and industry players, including:
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority
Shipping lines
Shipping agents
Freight forwarders
Importers and exporters
Other relevant port stakeholders
The IEAG believes that an urgent and constructive stakeholder engagement will help clarify outstanding issues, promote compliance with approved charges and prevent the dispute from negatively affecting port operations and international trade.
Reducing the Cost of Doing Business
For the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, the issue goes beyond a single container charge.
The Association maintains that an efficient and competitive port system must support the smooth movement of goods while reducing unnecessary costs for businesses.
Importers and exporters continue to face a number of operational challenges, including congestion, delays and rising costs associated with cargo clearance and port operations.
Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between government institutions, regulators, shipping companies and the wider trade community.
Concerns Over Port Congestion
The IEAG has also renewed its concerns about persistent container congestion at the Tema Port.
According to the Association, congestion is contributing to vehicular and trade traffic within the port enclave and surrounding areas, affecting the efficient movement of goods and vehicles.
The Association has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to explore opportunities for additional container-handling capacity as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion.
Improving Security and Digital Services
The Association has further called for stronger security measures within the port environment, particularly as Ghana advances its 24-hour economy agenda.
It has also raised concerns about disruptions to digital and payment systems, which can affect cargo clearance and create additional delays and costs for traders.
The IEAG is encouraging relevant institutions to strengthen system reliability, technical support and operational coordination across Ghana’s trade and port ecosystem.
IEAG Reaffirms Commitment to Port Reforms
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana remains committed to supporting reforms that improve transparency, efficiency and competitiveness within Ghana’s ports and trade environment.
While calling for urgent action on the disputed Container Administrative Charge, the Association believes that constructive engagement among stakeholders remains essential to finding practical and sustainable solutions.
The IEAG continues to advocate for a port system that protects national revenue while also reducing the cost of doing business, facilitating trade, strengthening investor confidence and supporting Ghana’s economic growth.
