Ghana's Traders Advocacy Group (TAGG) has demanded an urgent government intervention regarding excessive and unjustified charges imposed on traders and importers at the country's ports. This call comes after nearly two years of unresolved engagement with authorities, as the financial burden on businesses continues to escalate.
TAGG specifically highlighted a significant increase in administrative charges by shipping lines. An agreed administrative charge of GHS 550, following discussions with the Ghana Shippers Authority, was subsequently raised to GHS 720. The group seeks an explanation for this GHS 170 increase, including who authorized it and its justification.
These rising port charges fit into a broader narrative of increasing operational costs for businesses in Ghana. High import duties and various levies have long been a concern for the private sector, impacting the competitiveness of Ghanaian goods and services. The government's stated objective of reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana appears challenged by such increases.
“We are not opposed to legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state,” TAGG stated in a press release. “Our concern is with charges that we believe are excessive, unfair, and inconsistent with the objective of reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.” This statement underscores the traders' focus on non-tax charges.
The implications of these unchecked port charges are significant for the Ghanaian economy. Traders warn that they cannot continue absorbing these additional costs. This means the burden will inevitably be passed on to consumers through higher prices for imported goods. Such price increases could fuel inflation and reduce the purchasing power of Ghanaian households.
TAGG has called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to intervene directly. They urge the Ministry of Transport to enforce existing laws and regulations. The group also expects the Ghana Shippers Authority to actively protect the interests of Ghanaian shippers. Furthermore, TAGG insists that all shipping lines operating in Ghana must comply with local laws and directives. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between trade facilitation and revenue generation at Ghana's ports, demanding a balanced approach from policymakers.