GPHA announces urgent measures to ease Tema Port congestion

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has introduced a series of urgent operational measures to tackle growing landside congestion at the Port of Tema, Ghana’s largest seaport.

The Authority said the measures are intended to restore normal cargo movement, protect the efficiency of port operations and ensure the continued flow of international trade through the facility.

GPHA attributed the congestion primarily to a substantial increase in import volumes, alongside a rise in exports of empty containers. It also pointed to worsening road traffic difficulties in and around the port enclave as a factor contributing to delays.

The Authority said ports elsewhere in the West African sub-region are facing similar congestion-related problems. Those pressures have affected the evacuation of containers and slowed the movement of both laden and empty units.

In response, GPHA has activated enhanced operational interventions and placed all relevant stakeholders on heightened operational alert.

The measures are being carried out in collaboration with shipping lines and terminal operators. Their aim is to improve the movement of cargo and make the best possible use of the terminal capacity currently available.

Key actions include attempts to speed up the evacuation of empty containers by increasing vessel calls. GPHA is also strengthening container transfer operations, deploying additional trucks and improving the handling and storage of empty containers.

The Authority is further working to optimise yard-management and traffic-management systems within the port. Those steps are intended to reduce pressure across the facility, improve efficiency and help maintain an uninterrupted movement of goods.

GPHA has appealed to importers, clearing agents and cargo owners to complete the clearance and evacuation of their consignments as quickly as possible.

It said the prompt removal of cargo would create additional space in the terminals, improve operational efficiency and help facilitate smoother movement through the port.

“Prompt cargo evacuation remains essential to easing pressure on terminal space and supporting the continuous flow of trade through the port,” the Authority said.

The appeal comes as the port continues to manage increased demand for import handling and the associated movement of empty containers. GPHA said the cooperation of businesses and other users of the facility would be important in helping the interventions take effect.

The Authority also assured stakeholders that it is monitoring the situation closely. It said further interventions would be implemented where necessary, with the aim of addressing the congestion and restoring normal operating conditions as quickly as possible.

GPHA thanked the trading community and the general public for their patience, cooperation and understanding while the congestion persists.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and competitive port system. It said that commitment was central to supporting Ghana’s international trade ambitions and wider economic growth objectives.