Port Stakeholders pledge action to reduce cost of doing business in Ghana

Key agencies in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector have pledged to address the challenges driving up the cost of doing business at the country’s ports, following a stakeholder forum organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in Accra.

The meeting, held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Ghana Shippers’ House, brought together government institutions and private sector operators whose activities directly influence port efficiency. It followed earlier consultations with importers, exporters and trade associations as part of the GSA’s second-quarter engagements.

Issues raised during the discussions—based on feedback from shippers across Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories—included port congestion, delays caused by multiple inspections, bureaucratic procedures, documentation fraud, corruption and informal charges. The GSA noted that these challenges significantly increase the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

Agencies present included the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ministry of Finance, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), among others.

As part of measures to ease congestion-related delays, the GPHA announced a waiver on rent charges for affected cargo. The Deputy Marketing Manager, Mrs Abena Serwaa Opoku-Fosu, also said the Authority is continuing modernisation projects at the Tema and Takoradi ports to improve container movement.

On security along the clearance and haulage chain, the National Security Coordinator at the Tema Port, Major Adams Suleman, assured stakeholders that cargo would continue to enjoy safe passage, adding that personnel were committed to performing their duties professionally.

A representative from the Ministry of Finance, Mr Kofi Baidoo, also assured stakeholders that genuine complaints arising from discrepancies in the Republican AI Duty System would be investigated and resolved. He encouraged importers and exporters to formally report such issues for redress.

The participating agencies reaffirmed their commitment to automating port processes and addressing corruption-related concerns when they are officially reported.

They also noted that the transition to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is intended to reduce face-to-face interactions, thereby limiting opportunities for discretionary practices that may lead to unofficial payments. Stakeholders were urged to report any demands for informal charges through the appropriate channels.

The Head of the Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation Department at GSA, Mrs Monica Josiah, said the Authority will continue to gather concerns from shippers and engage relevant agencies to ensure that commitments made at the forum are implemented.

She emphasised that reducing the cost of doing business at the ports is critical to improving Ghana’s competitiveness as a trade and transit hub, especially as the country seeks to attract more cargo from neighbouring landlocked states.

Stakeholders agreed to sustain the dialogue and monitor progress on agreed measures through regular quarterly engagements.