Traders group backs Ghana Shippers Authority over port charges cap

The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has thrown its support behind the recent directive by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) to regulate and cap container administrative charges at the country’s ports, describing the move as a major step toward fairness and efficiency in Ghana’s trade sector.

In a statement issued on Wednesday April 22, 2026, TAGG said the intervention was “decisive and long overdue,” arguing that importers have for years been burdened by arbitrary and excessive fees imposed by some shipping lines and their local agents.

According to the group, "the newly agreed administrative charge of GH¢550, reached after consultations with stakeholders, provides a fair, transparent and sustainable benchmark for port-related charges."

TAGG also endorsed the directive requiring all charges to be priced in Ghana Cedis instead of foreign currencies, saying the decision would shield traders from exchange-rate fluctuations and what it described as unjustified distortions.

The advocacy group stressed that there should be no excuse for failure to comply with the directive.

It further declared that the period of unregulated and inflated port charges must come to an end, insisting that the reforms would not lead to revenue losses but would instead improve efficiency, accountability and fairness within the sector.

TAGG warned that any attempt to undermine or circumvent the new policy should be seen as contrary to Ghana’s national economic interests and harmful to the trading community.

The group urged all shipping lines and their agents to implement the directive immediately and fully.

It noted that opposition to the reform would only expose practices that have long disadvantaged Ghanaian businesses and increased the cost of trade.

TAGG reaffirmed its support for the Ghana Shippers Authority, saying it remains committed to backing efforts aimed at restoring order and reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

The statement was jointly signed by David Kwadwo Amoateng, President of TAGG, and Nana Poku, General Secretary of the association.

AM

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