GUTA urges GPHA to act swiftly to end Tema Port congestion to avert rising business costs

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to take swift action to resolve the congestion currently plaguing the Port of Tema. This congestion, according to GUTA, is causing significant issues for businesses and increasing costs associated with importing goods. The primary cause of the congestion, as identified by GUTA, is the presence of empty containers that are not being unloaded from shipping lines’ depots and yards.

This has resulted in long lines of trucks stretching from the port entrance to the Regional Maritime University gates, with some truck drivers having to wait for nearly a week to unload their containers. GUTA’s investigations have also shown that the congestion is leading to the accumulation of demurrage charges, making it difficult for empty containers to be cleared from the terminal area, thus obstructing the loading of stuffed containers.

The union warns that if the situation is not addressed promptly, it could undermine the government’s 24-hour economy policy by affecting port operations. GUTA further predicts that the problem may worsen as import volumes are expected to increase near the end of the year, leading to even higher demurrage charges. These additional costs would be passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for goods and services.

To address this issue, GUTA is calling for immediate engagement among stakeholders, including GPHA and shipping lines, to find a lasting solution. The union emphasizes the need to restore the smooth flow of containers to prevent further negative impacts on businesses, consumers, and the overall economy.