The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has welcomed government’s decision to defer the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge, describing the move as a necessary intervention to address growing concerns over rising port-related costs.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the intervention by the Ministry of Transport came at a critical time, as tensions had started building between shipping line operators and port users over the proposed charge.
According to him, the involvement of the sector minister was important to help resolve the impasse and protect the interests of businesses that rely heavily on Ghana’s ports for trade activities.
“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.
His comments follow the decision by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to postpone implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026.
The Authority explained that the extension will allow for broader consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders within the trade and logistics sector.
Mr. Awingobit disclosed that concerns over the proposed charge had earlier been escalated to the Presidency through a petition submitted by industry players.
According to him, the petition was subsequently referred to the Minister of Transport, who engaged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping line operators and workers’ representatives before directing that implementation be deferred.
He added that the postponement creates room for further discussions on the pricing structure and its potential impact on businesses and consumers.
Meanwhile, the Transport Minister has also directed the immediate introduction of a regulatory cap on the Container Administrative Charge to provide temporary cost stability while consultations continue.
Under the directive, the charge will not exceed GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit for both import and export containers.
Industry analysts say the decision could provide short-term relief for businesses already grappling with high operational and import-related costs, while helping to ease concerns about possible increases in the prices of imported goods.
