Enough is Enough Traders Demand Action Over High Port Charges

Story by Fada Amakye

Traders and importers in Ghana are demanding urgent action from government over what they describe as excessive and unjustifiable port charges.

Speaking at a press conference at the head office of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), the General Secretary, Nana Poku, said traders have exercised patience for almost two years but the burden on businesses keeps increasing.

He accused the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Shippers Authority of failing to protect Ghanaian businesses.

For nearly two years, we have engaged authorities, attended meetings and followed due process over excessive charges at the port. Yet the burden continues to increase. Enough is enough, he said.

Nana Poku revealed that stakeholders had agreed on GH¢550 as administrative charges by shipping lines, but it was later increased to GH¢720.

He blamed the Transport Minister for the increment, describing him as incompetent and calling for his immediate removal.

If an air ticket from Accra to Kumasi costs over GH¢5,000, it tells you that the minister has woefully failed, he added.

He said although government has done well in stabilizing the dollar, the high port charges are still killing businesses and will eventually be passed on to the ordinary consumer.

TAGG is therefore calling on President Mahama, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Shippers Authority and shipping lines to act immediately to reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.