Freight forwarders, customs agents, and other stakeholders staged a protest in Tema, Greater Accra Region, voicing their frustrations over what they describe as excessive and exploitative charges at Ghana’s ports.
The protesters argue that these high fees are severely impacting business operations, forcing many importers to explore alternative ports. After marching to various shipping lines to deliver petitions, copies were also submitted to the Ministries of Transport and Trade and Industry.
Speaking to the media, some freight forwarders expressed their dissatisfaction with current port operations, stating that rising fees are driving business away. One protester said, “The shipping lines are cheating us, and most of our importers are now using the Togo port because of the charges here.”
Freight forwarder Bismark Ocansey shared an incident where a faulty APS scanner delayed his container’s processing, resulting in a GH¢10,000 demurrage charge, despite the delay being beyond his control. “It’s time the shipping lines know they are cheating us,” Ocansey added, highlighting the frustration caused by unnecessary costs.
