The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has welcomed the government’s decision to defer the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge, describing it as a relief for businesses operating within the shipping and logistics sector.
According to the Association, the postponement offers a crucial opportunity for deeper engagement among stakeholders to address outstanding concerns over the proposed charges.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said tensions had been rising within the sector as importers, exporters, and shipping line operators expressed differing views on the impact of the new charges on trade costs and operations.
He noted that government intervention through the Ministry of Transport was both timely and necessary to ensure balance and fairness.
“The intervention by the Minister of Transport is in the right direction. When there is disagreement between stakeholders, the responsibility falls on the sector minister to step in and ensure a fair outcome for all parties,” he said.
The decision follows an announcement by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to shift the implementation date of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026. The extension is expected to allow for broader consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters.
Mr Awingobit further revealed that concerns from industry players had previously been escalated to the Presidency through a formal petition, prompting further review of the policy.
He explained that the matter was subsequently referred to the Minister of Transport, who engaged key stakeholders before recommending the postponement of the implementation.
The Association believes the extension will create room for constructive dialogue on the pricing structure and help reduce potential cost pressures on businesses and consumers in the import and export value chain.
