IMPORTERS WANT EMERGENCY MEETING WITH FINANCE MINISTER OVER TEMA PORT DELAYS, RISING CHARGES

The Association says delays in shipping invoices, payment processing and container releases are increasing demurrage, rent and storage costs for businesses. It has warned that the challenges could undermine Ghana’s trade efficiency and supply-chain reliability. In a statement dated October 19, 2026, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit said urgent ministerial intervention was needed to establish accountability and secure practical solutions. The proposed meeting would bring together the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), shipping lines, terminal operators, clearing and forwarding agents, and other industry stakeholders. IEAG wants the meeting to identify the causes of the delays, determine responsibility for operational failures and set firm deadlines for resolving them. “The matter therefore requires urgent ministerial attention and coordinated intervention rather than routine stakeholder engagements that do not produce measurable results,” the statement said. Delays push up business costs IEAG says some importers and exporters face delays in clearing cargo even after completing the required payments and documentation. Such delays can expose businesses to additional demurrage, rent and storage charges, increasing the cost of importing and moving goods. The Association acknowledges that these charges serve legitimate commercial and operational purposes. However, it insists they must be transparent and consistent with applicable tariffs, contractual terms and the law. It argues that businesses should not bear unjustified costs arising from service failures beyond their control. IEAG is urging the Finance Minister to secure firm commitments from shipping lines on invoicing, payment processing, container release procedures and complaint resolution. It has also called on the GSA to investigate complaints and take appropriate action within its mandate. The GPHA, meanwhile, is being urged to strengthen operational oversight and work with terminal operators to resolve bottlenecks. More than 120 trucks reportedly affected The Association has separately raised concerns about reported disruptions at Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3, where more than 120 trucks scheduled to transfer containers were reportedly delayed. According to IEAG, the disruption could prolong truck turnaround times, reduce equipment utilisation and interfere with haulage schedules. This could leave fewer trucks available for other cargo movements and create further bottlenecks across the logistics chain. The Association has also questioned whether the delays are contributing to additional rent, storage and related charges. It acknowledged that the allegations have not been independently established and called for a transparent investigation to determine the causes of the disruption and the basis for any charges imposed. IEAG wants the GPHA to work with MPS and other stakeholders to establish responsibility and prevent a recurrence. IEAG calls for investigation into reported MSC incident The Association has also expressed concern over reports of a confrontation at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office at the Tema Port, during which an alleged assault was reported. It condemned violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct, and called for an impartial investigation and appropriate action against anyone found culpable. IEAG said the incident should also prompt a review of the operational grievances facing port users, including prolonged delays, rising charges and difficulties accessing shipping services. It warned that unresolved complaints and mounting financial pressures could heighten tensions between service providers and their customers, potentially causing further disruption to port operations. Association demands stricter service standards IEAG is calling for a review and stricter enforcement of Service Level Agreements governing shipping-line services, terminal operations, invoicing, payment processing, container releases and cargo transfers. It wants the agreements to specify measurable performance standards, turnaround times, clear responsibilities, complaint escalation procedures and remedies for service failures. The Association also wants transparent performance monitoring, effective complaints mechanisms and fair treatment of additional charges. It argues that shipping lines and terminal operators should be held accountable for their service obligations, just as shippers are expected to meet container-return deadlines and other contractual requirements. “Accountability in the maritime sector must be reciprocal,” the statement said. IEAG says the proposed emergency meeting must produce clear decisions, assigned responsibilities, implementation deadlines and a mechanism to monitor progress. It maintains that resolving the challenges is essential to improving port efficiency, containing avoidable business costs and protecting Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trading hub. Credit: citinewsroom.com