Freight Forwarders raise alarm over empty container congestion at Tema Port

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has expressed alarm over empty containers piling up at the Tema Port, warning that the situation is causing operational issues and raising costs. Johnny Mantey, a GIFF executive, spoke to the media about the growing concern and urged shipping lines to do more in clearing the containers.

He emphasized that vessels bringing in containers to Tema should also be able to take out a significant number of empty ones. The situation has turned parts of the port into storage areas, limiting space for other operations, according to Mantey. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has echoed these concerns, stating that congestion leads to extra charges like demurrage and delays in moving and clearing goods.

Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association's Executive Secretary, called for a more efficient system to manage and evacuate empty containers to improve port operations and reduce financial burdens. Stakeholders agree that resolving the empty-container issue will free up space, speed up vessel turnaround times, and lower business costs at the Tema Port.