The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has welcomed the government’s decision to postpone the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge until July 1, 2026, describing the move as timely and necessary amid growing concerns over rising port charges.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the intervention by the Ministry of Transport came at a crucial moment, as tensions had begun to mount between shipping line operators and port users over the proposed fee adjustment.
According to him, the Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nkpe, acted appropriately by stepping in to mediate the disagreement and safeguard the interests of businesses that depend heavily on the country’s ports for trade.
“The intervention by the Minister of Transport is in the right direction. When there is disagreement between stakeholders, the responsibility falls on the sector minister to step in and ensure a fair outcome for all parties,” he stated.
The comments follow a decision by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to shift the implementation date of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026.
The Authority explained that the extension would allow for broader stakeholder consultations involving shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other players within the trade and logistics sector.
Mr. Awingobit further disclosed that concerns over the proposed charges had earlier been presented to the Presidency through a petition submitted by industry stakeholders.
He said the petition was subsequently referred to the Transport Minister, who engaged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping line operators and workers’ representatives before directing that implementation be suspended temporarily.
He added that the postponement provides an opportunity for further discussions on the pricing structure and its possible effects on businesses and consumers.
Meanwhile, the Transport Minister has directed the immediate introduction of a regulatory cap on the Container Administrative Charge to ensure temporary cost stability while consultations continue.
Under the directive, the charge will not exceed GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
Industry analysts believe the decision could offer short-term relief to businesses already facing high operational and import-related costs, while helping to prevent possible increases in the prices of imported goods.
Source: businesspostonline
