As the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, we view the current challenges at our ports not just as operational friction, but as critical threats to national economic competitiveness. Urgent reform is essential—not optional.
1. Infrastructure Overhaul: Unblocking Trade Bottlenecks
While past reforms—such as the Paperless Port System and ICUMS rollout—have improved clearance efficiency, significant gaps remain in infrastructure and inter-agency coordination that undermine efficiency and cost savings.
- Demurrage remains a crushing burden: Weekly demurrage payments of approximately GH¢30 million underscore systemic inefficiencies, often rooted in regulatory delays (e.g., processing at the EPA, GSA).
- Port authorities’ resolve is commendable: Recent collaboration between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) demonstrates a shared commitment to reducing operational costs and streamlining port workflows.
Our ask: A renewed investment in deep-water berths, modern cranes, improved hinterland connectivity, and digital coordination platforms can transform Tema into a regional hub on par with Abidjan, Lomé, and Lagos.
2. Unified Forex Rate: Ending Arbitrary Exchange Practices
Importers face financial unpredictability as shipping lines apply disparate forex rates—often inflated compared to Bank of Ghana benchmarks—eroding profit margins and destabilizing price expectations.
Yet, decisive action is underway:
- Bank of Ghana intervention: A directive mandates shipping lines to publish their forex rates, benchmark them against BoG interbank rates, and transparently communicate applied rates to clients.
- GIFF’s advocacy welcomed: We echo the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), who describe fee discrepancies—especially dollar-denominated charges for local port services—as unjustifiable and unsustainable.
- Presidential edict on port charges: President Mahama’s directive that all shipping line charges require parliamentary backing is a pivotal step in eliminating unapproved levies and fostering transparency.
Our ask: Strict enforcement of BoG’s guidelines, coupled with regulatory oversight over shipping lines’ forex practices, is vital to restoring predictability in import pricing.
In Summary
| Driver | Key Challenge | IEAG’s Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure & Coordination | Demurrage, regulatory delays, outdated facilities | Modernize port infrastructure; enhance inter-agency coordination and digital systems |
| Forex Uniformity & Fee Regulation | Arbitrary forex charges; multi-currency billing | Enforce transparent BoG-aligned forex rates; require legislative backing for all port fees |
Final Word
As IEAG, we stand at the forefront of Ghana’s trade advocacy. Supporting these structural shifts not only benefits our members but uplifts the entire trade ecosystem—boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing Ghana’s role in regional commerce.
We urge the government, regulators, and all stakeholders to act decisively. Together, we can build a port system that works for Ghana.
