The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to halt the implementation of its new tariffs.
In a press release signed by the President of GUTA, Dr Joseph Obeng said the business community will not accept any increased port tariffs.
“The attention of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has been drawn to astronomical increases in Port Tariffs that have been announced by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
“The announcement comes as a surprise to our members, who continue to reel under the effects of the many taxes and levies that have been introduced in recent times, as well as the economic challenges plaguing the country,” Mr Obeng said.
According to him, the port authorities are already complaining about low traffic at the country’s ports due to the high cost of doing business.
He was of the view that “this decision would further influence increases in shipping line charges”.
“We call on GPHA to suspend the implementation of these new tariffs, coming a year after the last increase, and engage stakeholders as the adverse impact of these increases would further compound the high cost of doing business,” he stated.