Freight-forwarders at the Tema Port say they are happy about the four point intervention by the transport minister which among other things gives directions for the slashing of port charges.
The freight-forwarders recently staged a mini protest over increments in tariff and later petitioned the Transport Minister to intervene.
This resulted in the Minister directing that the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) revises downward the tariffs and incorporates the concerns of all key.
The freight forwarders, reacting to the development told Citi News that although they are aware of the development, it is yet to take effect.
The freight-forwarders told Citi News in an interview that although the directive is yet to be effected, they are happy with it.
One said: “I just heard it but we are yet to see it. We have been told that it is now 40 percent. As at this morning, they are still feeding into the system. So we are yet to see.”
“Now there is no question mark. We will handle it like that. We want the Minister to look at some of the charges but for the slashes, we are happy with it.”, another said.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), revised downwards a number of tariffs which had led to a series of protests among importers and exporters.
GPHA’s latest tariffs adjustment was supposed to see a little over 10 percent increase in tariffs, but the implementation of the adjustment rather led to an increase of up to 200 percent in ports tariffs.
A press release issued by GPHA stated that the Transport Minister directed that the US dollar indexation in the GPHA’s Fourth Schedule, which had led to as much as 200 percent in tariffs hikes, should now be fixed at 40 percent.
Also, the GPHA further directed that the automatic charge (upfront payment) on containers in “Red Channel Category” raised by Meridian Port Services (MPS) at Port of Tema Terminal 2 should cease immediately.
“Consignees of such containers should make payment to MPS or any other Terminal Operator only after the physical examination is conducted. This will ensure that the charges are based on services actually rendered at the Intensive Inspection Platform,” GPHA stated.
According to GPHA, the decisions which were arrived at in the interest of peace and stability in the maritime sector also directs MPS to cease charging Transport Charge on containers.