Traders call for urgent review of port charges
The Traders and General Importers Association of Ghana (TAGG) has called on the government to urgently review what it describes as excessive charges imposed on businesses operating through Ghana’s ports.
The association made the call at a press conference on September 1, saying it had engaged relevant authorities for nearly two years over the rising charges without any meaningful resolution.
TAGG warned that continued increases in port-related costs would eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices of imported goods.
According to the association, the Ghana Shippers Authority previously engaged stakeholders over administrative charges imposed by shipping lines, with GH¢550 understood to have been the agreed amount.
TAGG, however, said the charge was later increased to GH¢720 without prior notice or adequate justification.
The association is demanding clarity on who authorised the increase, the reasons for the adjustment and who benefits from the additional charge.
TAGG stressed that it does not oppose legitimate import duties or taxes legally owed to the state. Its concern, it said, is with charges it considers excessive and unfair and which undermine efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The association has therefore called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to intervene and review the port charges.
It also urged the Ministry of Transport to enforce relevant laws and protect businesses and consumers, while calling on the Ghana Shippers Authority to strengthen its protection of Ghanaian shippers.
TAGG further urged shipping lines to comply with Ghanaian laws, regulations and lawful directives.
In addition, the association called on the government to consider reducing import duties on commercial vehicles as part of efforts to address the country’s transport challenges.
TAGG warned that traders could not continue absorbing rising costs indefinitely, saying any further increases would eventually translate into higher prices for imported goods.
The association said this would place additional financial pressure on consumers and further burden households already struggling with rising costs.
Source: 3news.com
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