Expand Tema Port capacity to ease congestion — IEAG

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to convert private spaces at Tema Port into modern container-handling facilities. This expansion would increase capacity and alleviate congestion, as persistent bottlenecks could negate the benefits of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trade Solution and hike business costs for importers and exporters.

IEAG Executive Secretary Mr Samson Asaki Awingobit made this appeal during a press conference in Accra, reviewing progress made with the AI system since its full rollout on March 12, 2026. Some leases held by private businesses near expiration were suggested for possible non-renewal and redevelopment as additional container terminals to complement existing facilities like Terminal Three.

The IEAG previously raised concerns about the AI system's data integrity, stakeholder engagement, integration, and operational readiness, but these were largely resolved through dialogue with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). IEAG data shows the AI system has analyzed 366,000 import declarations, with 24 per cent triggering valuation risk indicators.

Customs collections have surged by 17.5 per cent, averaging US$73.44 million monthly, and the AI system has curbed human discretion in customs valuation and improved detection of undervaluation, misclassification, and suspicious declarations. However, IEAG stressed the need for a quicker and more transparent appeals process for importers contesting valuation decisions, a stronger digital payment platform at the port, and enhanced security to protect against robberies.

They also called for urgent discussions with stakeholders over excessive container administrative charges and advocated for a balanced approach between technological upgrades and infrastructure.