The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to work with shipping lines to address congestion at the country’s ports, warning that delays in clearing goods are increasing costs for importers.
The call comes as Ghana’s inflation rate rose marginally to 5 percent in August 2026, a development GUTA says should not cause consumers to panic.
GUTA President Clement Boateng said the latest inflation increase was too marginal to warrant expectations of a major rise in the prices of goods and services.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Mr Boateng urged consumers to remain calm, stressing that the August figure should not automatically translate into higher prices.
“I don’t think the increment is significant. It is just some marginal increment and so I don’t think it is going to have any effect as far as goods and services, prices of goods and services are concerned.”
He further cautioned consumers against assuming that an increase in the inflation rate would immediately result in higher prices across the market.
“I really don’t think the consumer should have any worry at all. There shouldn’t be any panic as to consumers thinking that we are going to increase prices or it is going to affect services.”
While downplaying the immediate impact of inflation on prices, Mr Boateng raised concerns about operational challenges confronting traders at the ports.
He dismissed suggestions that delays in clearing goods were a major factor behind the August inflation increase but acknowledged that port congestion was creating additional financial pressure for businesses.
According to him, traders whose consignments remain at the ports beyond the demurrage-free period are often forced to bear additional charges, regardless of who is responsible for the delay.
“Once the demurrage-free period has elapsed, whether you like it or not, whether it is your doing for the delay or it is the doing of the shipping lines, you will definitely have to pay whatever demurrage you have incurred.”
Mr Boateng therefore urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to engage shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to find lasting solutions to congestion at the ports.
He said reducing delays would help minimise unnecessary costs for importers and ultimately support efforts to keep the prices of goods and services stable.
