GUTA endorses new GSA directive on container charges

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has welcomed the Ghana Shippers' Authority's (GSA) decision to cap the Container Administrative Charge, with shipping lines no longer permitted to charge more than GH₵ 550 for each 20-foot container (TEU).

The new directive, which takes effect from May 1, 2026, is expected to bring relief to importers and exporters who have long complained about high port charges.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, GUTA said the decision follows a thorough review and stakeholder engagement process led by the GSA under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).

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The association noted that the charge, introduced in the late 1980s, has outlived its original purpose but has continued to increase, contributing significantly to the high cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

“The GH¢550 limit will help traders. With this new rule, importers and exporters will save about GH¢802.5 million every year. The charge will now be in Ghana cedis, not dollars. This makes costs clear and stable,” the statement said.

It added that “unfair fees must stop. The Container Administrative Charge is one of many fees making cargo clearing costly, and we see the GSA’s action as the first step to fixing the high costs at our ports.”

GUTA further emphasised that the directive marks a significant intervention in addressing long-standing concerns within the trading community.

The association also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the new policy in collaboration with the GSA.

“GUTA will work closely with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to ensure full compliance, protect traders, promote fairness, and eliminate unjustified port charges,” the statement concluded.

SO/MA

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