Importers and Exporters Demand Urgent Meeting Over Disputed GH¢720 Container Charge

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has appealed to the Minister for Transport to urgently convene a meeting of key maritime stakeholders to resolve the continuing disagreement over the regulated Container Administrative Charge at Ghana’s ports.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, IEAG President Samson Asaki Awingobit expressed concern that some shipping lines and their agents were reportedly charging importers and exporters above the approved ceiling of GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU). (citinewsroom.com⁠)

The Association warned that the alleged non-compliance was increasing the cost of doing business, creating uncertainty for port users and undermining efforts to improve Ghana’s competitiveness as a trade and shipping destination.

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority introduced the GH¢720 ceiling for both import and export containers as a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring transparency and controlling excessive port-related charges. The Authority maintains that the ceiling remains valid and enforceable. (shippers.org.gh⁠)

The dispute previously resulted in legal action by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana and some shipping agents. However, on July 10, 2026, the High Court dismissed their application seeking to stop the Ghana Shippers’ Authority from enforcing the directive. (metrotvonline.com⁠)

IEAG is therefore asking the Transport Minister to bring together the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other relevant port stakeholders to reach a clear and lasting settlement.

The Association believes that an urgent dialogue will help prevent the disagreement from disrupting port operations, increasing the prices of imported goods and negatively affecting Ghana’s international trade.

Beyond the disputed charge, IEAG also raised concerns about persistent container congestion at Tema Port. It proposed that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority consider converting selected spaces currently leased to private operators into additional container terminals when the leases expire.

The Association further called for improved security at the ports, stronger digital payment systems and faster resolution of customs valuation appeals.

IEAG maintained that an efficient port system must protect government revenue while reducing the cost of doing business, improving cargo movement and strengthening investor confidence.

The affected shipping lines had not publicly responded to the Association’s latest call at the time of publication.

— Nsemgh Business Desk