The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) is calling on the Minister for Transport to urgently convene a stakeholder meeting to resolve an impasse over the regulated Container Administrative Charge (CAC) at Ghana’s ports.
The Association says reports that some shipping lines and their agents are charging above the approved ceiling are increasing the cost of doing business and creating uncertainty for importers and exporters.
According to the IEAG, the approved ceiling for the CAC, also known as the local handling charge, is GH¢720 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
The directive remains in force and has been reinforced by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, IEAG President Samson Asaki Awingobit expressed concern that some shipping lines continue to charge above the approved rate.
“The IEAG is concerned that reports of some shipping lines continuing to impose charges above the approved ceiling have the potential to increase the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports, create uncertainty for importers and exporters, and undermine ongoing efforts to make the country’s ports more competitive,” the Association said.
The IEAG is therefore urging the Transport Ministry to bring together the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the dispute.
“We respectfully appeal to the Honorable Minister for Transport to convene an urgent stakeholder meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers and exporters, and other relevant port stakeholders to resolve the impasse,” the IEAG said.
The Association also raised concerns about container congestion at Tema Port, security, and disruptions to digital services.
It called for improved port infrastructure and stronger systems to support efficient trade.
Despite these concerns, the IEAG reaffirmed its support for the Publican Artificial Intelligence Trade Solution, which it says has improved customs valuation and revenue mobilisation, while calling for a stronger appeals process, an improved valuation database and deeper stakeholder engagement.
