The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has issued a strong call for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to intervene decisively in the growing congestion at the Port of Tema, warning that the situation is inflicting severe damage on businesses and driving up the cost of trade .
In a statement signed by its President, Clement Boateng, GUTA described the current situation as having “a severe negative impact on business and adding an additional layer of cost to doing business,” urging the Authority to liaise with shipping lines to find an urgent resolution .
Root Cause: Empty Containers Causing Logjams
The association attributed the congestion primarily to unstuffed empty containers not being discharged at the various shipping line depots and yards as required . This failure has resulted in severe traffic disruption, with trucks queuing from the port entrance all the way to the gates of the Regional Maritime University .
Some truck operators have reportedly spent nearly a week in these queues before being able to discharge their empty containers . The lengthy delays are adding significant costs and creating immense frustration for importers.
Ripple Effects: Demurrage and Space Constraints
GUTA’s investigations revealed that the congestion is contributing to an accumulation of demurrage charges, as empty containers continue to occupy valuable space at the terminals . This situation, in turn, makes it impossible for stuffed containers to be brought in for examination and eventual clearance, creating a bottleneck that affects the entire import chain .
The association further claimed that some shipping lines do not have the necessary logistics to move the unstuffed containers from the terminals to their designated yards, worsening the congestion .
Warnings of Economic Consequences
The traders’ union cautioned that if the situation is not addressed as a matter of urgency, it will have far-reaching consequences for the wider economy .
· 24-Hour Economy Policy: GUTA warned that continued congestion will negatively impact the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy at the port, which aims to ensure round-the-clock operations to facilitate trade .
· Peak Import Season: With imports expected to peak as the year draws to a close, the association expressed concern that the situation could worsen significantly in the coming months if immediate action is not taken .
· Higher Consumer Prices: Prolonged delays will expose importers to further demurrage charges, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services .
Broader Context: Port Challenges Under Scrutiny
The congestion at Tema comes amid wider concerns about Ghana’s port competitiveness. Chief Executive Officer of Oro Oil Ghana Limited, Maxwell Commey, recently highlighted that the Tema Port continues to grapple with “congestion, high logistics costs and weak inland connectivity,” issues that directly affect the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses .
Commey noted that poor road infrastructure around Tema is a major contributing factor, and called for integrated corridor projects that combine roads, rail, and dry-port links to improve efficiency .
GPHA’s Response and Stakeholder Calls
The GPHA has acknowledged the challenges and rolled out measures to address landside congestion, citing a surge in import traffic, increased exports of empty containers, and road congestion around the port enclave as key drivers . The Authority announced interventions including:
· Accelerating the evacuation of empty containers through increased vessel calls
· Strengthening truck deployment and container transfer operations
· Optimising yard utilisation and traffic management processes
The Authority has also appealed to importers, clearing agents, and cargo owners to expedite the clearance and evacuation of their consignments .
Similarly, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has raised the alarm over the accumulation of empty containers, arguing that shipping lines must do more to evacuate them when bringing imports into Tema .
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has commended the GPHA for convening stakeholder meetings to address the challenges, noting some improvements in traffic queues along the Tema Beach Road . However, the Association also urged shipping lines to comply with regulations requiring them to evacuate empty containers in proportion to incoming cargo volumes .
Call for Immediate Engagement
GUTA is now calling for immediate stakeholder engagement involving the GPHA, shipping lines, and other relevant parties to develop a sustainable solution to the congestion . The association stressed that immediate intervention is necessary to restore the efficient movement of containers and prevent further harm to traders, consumers, and the wider economy .
