Importers and clearing agents operating at the Tema Port are raising the alarm over growing financial losses as persistent delays in clearing goods continue to cripple their operations.
When 3Business visited the port, the frustration among importers was palpable. Many voiced fears of accumulating thousands of dollars in demurrage charges—fees imposed for containers that stay at the port beyond the allowed free time.
“Demurrage charges can reach at least $120 per day per container,” one importer lamented. “And this keeps increasing as our goods remain uncleared. It’s eating into our profits and threatening our businesses.”
According to some importers 3Business spoke to, the delays are not only impacting their bottom lines but also undermining the viability of their operations. Several said their repeated appeals to authorities have gone unanswered or resulted in little change.
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has added its voice to the growing concerns, calling for a comprehensive review of port operations. GIFF says such a review is critical to eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring faster clearance of goods to protect the interests of importers and the national economy.
In response, management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) acknowledged the concerns and assured that a formal statement will soon be issued.
The Authority says it is working to address the situation as part of broader reforms aimed at improving port efficiency.
As importers wait for tangible solutions, the financial toll continues to mount—one container, one day, one dollar at a time.
The post Video: Importers cry out over soaring demurrage fees due to delays in goods clearance at Tema Port first appeared on 3News.
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