The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to act swiftly to end the current congestion at the Port of Tema.
In a statement on August 31, GUTA urged the Authority to liaise with the various shipping lines to resolve the traffic situation which it says is having a severe negative impact on business and increasing the cost of doing business.
According to GUTA, the congestion is caused by unstuffed empty containers not being discharged at the various shipping line depots and yards. As a result, trucks have queued from the port entrance to as far as the gates of the Regional Maritime University.
The Association disclosed that some drivers have been in the queue for almost one week before being able to discharge their empty containers.
GUTA said its investigations have revealed that the situation is leading to demurrage charges, as some unstuffed containers continue to occupy space at the terminals, making it impossible for stuffed containers to be brought in for examination and clearing.
It further noted that some shipping lines do not have the logistics to move the unstuffed containers from the terminals to their yards to create space for stuffed containers.
The Association warned that if not addressed urgently, the congestion will negatively affect the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy at the port.
The traders’ union also cautioned that with imports expected to peak as the year draws to an end, the situation could worsen in the coming months if immediate action is not taken.
It added that importers will continue to incur demurrage charges which will be passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods and services. GUTA is therefore calling for immediate stakeholder engagement to resolve the impasse.
Eben Agyekum-Boateng
