General News
Traders and Importers Demand Urgent Action Over Excessive Port Charges
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has called on the government and relevant port authorities to urgently review what it describes as excessive and unjustifiable charges imposed on Ghanaian traders and importers at the country’s ports.
In a press statement dated September 1, 2026, TAGG said Ghanaian traders and importers have spent nearly two years engaging relevant authorities, attending meetings and following due processes in an effort to address concerns over rising port-related charges.
The group, however, said despite these engagements and repeated promises of relief, the burden on businesses continues to increase.
“Enough is enough,” TAGG declared, calling for immediate intervention by the government, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Shippers Authority, shipping lines and other institutions responsible for port regulation.
According to the traders’ group, the Ghana Shippers Authority previously engaged stakeholders over administrative charges imposed by shipping lines.
TAGG said it understood that GH¢550 had been agreed upon as the applicable amount following those engagements. However, the group expressed concern that the figure was subsequently increased to GH¢720.
The group is demanding answers over who authorized the increase, why it was considered necessary and whose interests the decision serves.
TAGG stressed that it is not opposed to legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state. Its concern, it said, is with charges it considers excessive, unfair and inconsistent with efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The group also criticised the Minister for Transport, arguing that the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure institutions under its supervision protect the national interest and enforce Ghana’s laws and regulations.
TAGG said government cannot simultaneously promise to reduce the cost of doing business while allowing additional financial burdens to be imposed on traders and importers.
The group warned that traders cannot absorb unlimited additional costs and that if the charges remain, they will eventually be reflected in the prices of imported goods.
It questioned:
- What charges are being imposed at the ports?
- What administrative fees are being collected?
- What shipping-related levies are being applied?
- Why are businesses being required to absorb costs considered excessive?
- Why should ordinary Ghanaians ultimately pay for decisions made in offices and boardrooms?
TAGG also rejected what it described as attempts to justify excessive charges through the possibility of job losses at shipping companies.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting Ghanaian workers, the group said the threat of job losses should not become a means of imposing what it considers unjustified costs on traders, importers and consumers.
TAGG called on the President and government to intervene immediately and ensure that excessive port charges are reviewed.
It also asked the Ministry of Transport to enforce the law and demonstrate decisive leadership in protecting Ghanaian businesses and urged the Ghana Shippers Authority to stand firmly by its mandate and protect the interests of Ghanaian shippers.
Shipping lines, according to TAGG, must also respect Ghana’s laws, regulations and lawful directives.
The group said it was “tired of endless meetings,” promises and being told to wait, insisting that what is now required is action.
Beyond port charges, TAGG also raised concerns about what it described as a broader transportation crisis affecting traders, workers and ordinary Ghanaians.
The group said thousands of people are stranded at markets and transport terminals every day, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., as they struggle to find vehicles to return home after work.
TAGG said it had previously submitted a proposal to the Presidency, which was recognised and forwarded to the Ministry of Transport.
Among its proposals was a 50% reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period, aimed at encouraging private-sector investment and increasing the number of commercial vehicles.
The group said meaningful action on the transport crisis remains outstanding.
TAGG further argued that public officials must deliver results rather than excuses.
The group maintained that if government-appointed officials are unable to effectively address persistent problems directly affecting the livelihoods of Ghanaians, their competence and performance should be reviewed.
It specifically defended its description of the transport minister as incompetent, saying the assessment was based on what it considers the Minister’s continued failure to adequately address serious and persistent challenges affecting Ghanaian traders and workers
TAGG said its position is straightforward: traders and importers want action rather than excuses.
It warned that if nothing is done, Ghanaian consumers will ultimately bear the cost through higher prices of goods, adding that responsibility for preventing such an outcome rest with the government and authorities responsible for regulating the sector.
The group concluded by stating that the people of Ghana deserve fairness, traders deserve relief, importers deserve justice and consumers deserve protection.
The statement was signed by TAGG President David Kwadwo Amoateng, General Secretary Nana Pokua, Vice President Mr. Samuel Asare Addo, Deputy Secretary Juliet Kusi, Treasurer Mrs. Irene Victoria Odoom, Protocol Officer Abraham Yao Fianu, and National Organizer Daniel Fosu.