GPHA moves to tackle growing congestion at Tema Port

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has begun implementing a series of measures to ease growing congestion on the landside of the Port of Tema.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026, the Authority explained that the congestion had been driven by a sharp rise in import volumes, the evacuation of empty containers for export and increasing traffic congestion on roads around the port.

According to GPHA, the situation is not unique to Ghana, as a number of ports across West Africa are also experiencing similar operational pressures.

The Authority said the challenges had affected the timely movement of containers, including both cargo-filled and empty containers, resulting in delays in their evacuation and transfer.

“In response to the situation, GPHA has activated enhanced operational measures and placed all relevant stakeholders on heightened operational alert,” the statement said.

As part of the intervention, GPHA said it was engaging shipping lines and terminal operators to speed up the evacuation of empty containers.

The measures include increasing vessel calls, deploying more trucks and improving the transfer of containers between various locations within the port system.

The Authority said it was also taking steps to strengthen the management of empty containers, improve the use of available yard space and streamline traffic movement to make the most of existing terminal capacity.

GPHA has meanwhile urged importers, clearing agents and owners of cargo to complete the clearance of their consignments without delay.

It said the swift removal of cleared cargo would free up much-needed space and help improve the efficiency of operations at the port.

“The prompt evacuation of cargo is essential to creating additional space within the port, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the continuous flow of international trade,” the Authority stated.

GPHA said it was monitoring developments closely and would continue to introduce additional measures where necessary to return operations to normal as soon as possible.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and competitive port system capable of supporting Ghana’s international trade and broader economic activities.

It also thanked importers, businesses, clearing agents and members of the public for their patience and cooperation as efforts continue to address the congestion.

Read  below the statement from GPHA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GPHA ROLLS OUT DECISIVE MEASURES TO ADDRESS LANDSIDE CONGESTION

Tema, Ghana | 7 August 2026

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) wishes to inform the trading community and the general public that the Port of Tema is currently experiencing significant landside congestion. This is due in part to massive growth in import traffic and the corresponding export of empty containers, coupled with road congestion.

Similar challenges are being experienced at several ports across the West African sub-region, resulting in delays in container evacuations and the transfer of laden and empty containers.

To address the situation, GPHA has activated enhanced operational measures and placed all relevant stakeholders on heightened operational alert. In close collaboration with shipping lines and terminal operators, the Authority is accelerating the evacuation of empty containers through increased vessel calls, strengthening truck deployment and container transfer operations, improving empty container management, and optimising yard and traffic management to improve cargo flow and maximise available terminal capacity.

The Authority is also appealing to all importers, clearing agents and cargo owners to expedite the clearance of their consignments. The prompt evacuation of cargo is essential to creating additional space within the port, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the continuous flow of international trade.

GPHA assures all stakeholders that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to implement the necessary interventions to restore normal operating conditions as quickly as possible.

The Authority appreciates the patience, cooperation and understanding of the trading community and the general public during this period. GPHA remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and competitive port system that supports Ghana’s trade and economic growth.
SIGNED
GPHA MANAGEMENT

Prince Antwi

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