By Mavis Paintsil, Accra
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has demanded immediate government intervention over what it describes as excessive and unjustifiable charges at Ghana’s ports, warning that Ghanaian consumers will ultimately bear the cost if nothing is done.
At a press conference on Monday, September 1, TAGG said for nearly two years, Ghanaian traders and importers have engaged authorities, attended meetings and followed due process, but the cost of doing business keeps rising.
“Enough is enough. We will no longer accept excessive charges being imposed on businesses and passed on to the ordinary consumer,” the group declared.
From GH¢550 to GH¢720
According to TAGG, the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) engaged stakeholders including shipping lines over administrative charges, where an amount of GH¢550 was agreed upon. The group says it was surprised to see the figure subsequently increased to GH¢720.
“Who authorised this increase? Why was it necessary? And in whose interest are these decisions being made?” TAGG queried.
The group stressed it is not opposed to legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state, but against charges it considers excessive, unfair, and inconsistent with government’s own objective of reducing the cost of doing business.
TAGG reminded President John Dramani Mahama that before assuming office, he repeatedly acknowledged that the cost of doing business was too high and promised relief.
“Government cannot promise to reduce the cost of doing business while allowing additional burdens to be placed on traders. You cannot promise relief with one hand and permit new burdens with the other,” the statement said.
The group also rejected attempts to justify the charges with threats of job losses at shipping companies.
“The welfare of Ghanaian workers matters. But the threat of job losses must never become a weapon for imposing unjustified costs on traders, importers, and consumers.”
Transport Crisis: Stranded Workers From 4pm to 8pm
Beyond port charges, TAGG raised concerns about a broader transportation crisis facing traders and workers.
The group said every day, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., thousands of people are stranded at markets and transport terminals, struggling to find vehicles home after a day’s work.
TAGG disclosed that it did not merely complain but proposed a solution. Its petition to the Presidency was recognised and forwarded to the Ministry of Transport. Among its proposals was a 50% reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period to encourage private investment and increase the number of commercial vehicles.
“Yet, despite the seriousness of this crisis, meaningful action remains outstanding,” TAGG said.
“Public Office Demands Results, Not Excuses”
The group openly maintained its description of the Transport Minister as incompetent, saying the label is based on his continued failure to adequately address the persistent challenges.
“Public office demands results, not excuses. If the government appointed officials cannot effectively address persistent problems that directly affect the livelihoods of Ghanaians, then their competence and performance must be seriously reviewed,” TAGG stated.
Demands
The group made four demands:
- The President and Government to intervene immediately and ensure excessive port charges are reviewed.
- The Ministry of Transport to enforce the law and demonstrate decisive leadership.
- The Ghana Shippers Authority to stand firmly by its mandate and protect Ghanaian shippers.
- Shipping lines to respect Ghana’s laws, regulations and lawful directives.
TAGG warned that traders cannot absorb unlimited additional costs.
“If these charges remain, they will inevitably affect the prices of imported goods, and that is basic economics.”
“Our position is simple: We do not want excuses. We want action. The Ghanaian trader has spoken. The Ghanaian importer has spoken,” the group said.
“The people of Ghana deserve fairness. Traders deserve relief. Importers deserve justice. Consumers deserve protection. Enough is enough.
Long live Ghana. Long live TAGG,” the statement concluded.
