IEAG engages GMA fact-finding team on Tema port congestion

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), welcomed a fact-finding team from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to IEAG's office in Tema. The meeting was part of the GMA's initiative to gather insights, viewpoints, and practical suggestions from significant stakeholders to tackle the ongoing congestion and operational obstacles at the Tema Port.

Awingobit emphasized the IEAG's plea to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to take immediate actions to reclaim port lands where leases have either expired or are set to do so, given legal permission, and to contemplate the construction of extra and larger container-handling facilities to boost the current capacity. He highlighted that the surge in cargo volume passing through the port necessitates proactive measures rather than waiting for congestion to escalate.

Awingobit pointed out the substantial rise in container traffic, particularly at Terminal 3, which demands a parallel expansion of port infrastructure and capacity. He also urged the GMA to focus on addressing complaints of possible extortion and unnecessary delays involving certain inspection and security agencies working at the port.

According to Awingobit, these practices, when confirmed, escalate business costs and may needlessly extend the cargo-clearance process. The IEAG further advocated for stricter enforcement against shipping lines that fail to quickly retrieve or send back empty containers once the associated import cargo has been cleared. This accumulation of empty containers at terminals occupies valuable operational space and adds to congestion, necessitating appropriate regulatory measures and penalties for continuous non-compliance.

The Association believes that a collaborative effort involving the GMA, GPHA, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, terminal operators, Customs, and other port stakeholders is crucial for a sustainable resolution to the congestion issue. The GMA fact-finding team, consisting of Esi Sam, Albert Ameyaw, and Nad Marvin Beyouri, expressed gratitude to Awingobit and the IEAG team for their contributions, observations, and recommendations.

They affirmed that the inputs would aid their ongoing quest for practical and sustainable solutions to the congestion challenge at the Tema Port.