Key institutions within Ghana’s maritime and logistics sector have committed to implementing measures to address operational inefficiencies and reduce the high cost of doing business at the country’s ports.
The commitment was made during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in Accra, which brought together public institutions and private sector operators involved in cargo clearance and port operations.
The meeting was convened to discuss concerns raised by importers, exporters and trade associations during the GSA’s second-quarter stakeholder consultations.
According to a statement issued by the Authority, participants identified persistent challenges including port congestion, multiple inspections, bureaucratic delays, documentation fraud, corruption and informal charges, all of which continue to increase the cost of clearing goods through Ghana’s ports.
Representatives from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ministry of Finance, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) and other agencies outlined measures being taken to address the concerns.
The Deputy Marketing Manager of the GPHA, Mrs. Abena Serwaa Opoku-Fosu, announced that the Authority would waive rent charges on cargo delayed as a result of port congestion to ease the financial burden on importers and exporters.
She added that ongoing investments to modernise the Tema and Takoradi ports would further improve cargo handling, reduce delays and enhance operational efficiency.
National Security Coordinator at Tema Port, Major Adams Suleman, assured stakeholders that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure the safe movement of cargo while promoting professionalism among security personnel operating at the ports.
On the issue of customs assessments, Mr. Kofi Baidoo of the Ministry of Finance assured stakeholders that complaints relating to discrepancies under the Republican AI Duty System would be investigated promptly once formally reported.
The Head of the Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation Department of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Mrs. Monica Josiah, said the Authority would continue to engage shippers and relevant institutions to ensure concerns raised translated into practical reforms.
Participants agreed that improving port efficiency and lowering the cost of trade are critical to strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness and maintaining its position as a preferred maritime gateway for regional and transit trade.
The agencies also reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the automation of port processes and taking swift action against corruption whenever credible complaints are reported.
