Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana Calls for Urgent Expansion of Tema Port Capacity

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has issued a formal call for urgent action to address persistent container congestion at Tema Port. The association warns that current bottlenecks are significantly hindering the movement of cargo and vehicles, threatening the efficiency and overall competitiveness of Ghana’s maritime trade.

Addressing Container Congestion

In a press statement issued on 27 August 2026, the IEAG urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to prioritize the expansion of the port’s container terminal capacity.

The association suggests that the GPHA should consider converting spaces currently leased to private businesses, particularly those with lease agreements approaching their expiry dates. By redeveloping these locations into modern, ultra-modern container-handling facilities, the IEAG believes the port could alleviate the pressure within the enclave, reduce delays, and support a smoother flow of goods.

Concerns Over Regulatory Compliance

Beyond physical capacity, the IEAG has raised alarms regarding the charges imposed by some shipping lines and their agents. The association claims that certain operators are disregarding the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) directive on the regulated Container Administrative Charge (CAC).

Under current regulations, the local handling charge is capped at GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers. Despite this, the IEAG reports that some shipping lines continue to demand fees exceeding this ceiling. The association warns that this practice:

• Increases the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
• Creates uncertainty for importers and exporters.
• Undermines efforts to maintain competitive maritime operations.

A Call for Stakeholder Engagement

To resolve these challenges, the IEAG has appealed to the Minister for Transport to convene an urgent meeting with key stakeholders. The proposed participants include the GSA, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and other relevant port operators. The association maintains that constructive dialogue is essential to prevent the current dispute from escalating into wider disruptions to international trade.

Conclusion

The combination of rising congestion and disputed charges poses a significant threat to the predictability and efficiency of Ghana's trade sector. Expanding container-handling capacity and enforcing regulated charges are, according to the IEAG, the two most immediate steps required to protect the interests of traders and ensure the port remains a competitive gateway.