Importers and Exporters applaud government over container charge deferral
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has welcomed government’s decision to defer the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge, describing it as a timely intervention to address rising concerns over port-related costs.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the intervention by the Ministry of Transport came at a critical moment, as tensions were mounting between shipping line operators and port users over the proposed fee.
He explained that the involvement of the sector minister was necessary to help resolve the impasse and safeguard the interests of businesses that depend heavily on Ghana’s ports for import and export activities.
“The intervention by the Minister of Transport is in the right direction. When there is disagreement between stakeholders, the responsibility falls on the sector minister to step in and ensure a fair outcome for all parties,” he stated.
His comments follow the decision by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to postpone the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026.
The Authority said the extension will allow for broader consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and other key players in the trade and logistics sector.
Mr. Awingobit further revealed that concerns over the proposed charge had earlier been escalated to the Presidency through a petition filed by industry stakeholders.
He noted that the petition was subsequently referred to the Minister of Transport, who engaged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping line operators, and labour representatives before directing that the implementation be deferred.
According to him, the postponement provides an opportunity for further dialogue on the pricing structure and its potential impact on businesses and consumers.
Meanwhile, the Transport Minister has directed the immediate introduction of a regulatory cap on the Container Administrative Charge to ensure temporary cost stability while consultations continue.
Under the directive, the charge will not exceed GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
Industry analysts believe the decision could offer short-term relief to businesses already grappling with high operational and import costs, while also helping to ease concerns over potential increases in the prices of imported goods.
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