Freight forwarders, importers, traders, and others in the business community have bemoaned the high cost of doing business in Ghana.
According to Johnny Mantey, Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIIF), Tema District, some shipping lines have threatened to leave the country after they embarked on a demonstration against the numerous charges they pay, including administrative charges, empty container fees, and demurrage on weekends and public holidays.
Speaking on GhanaWeb TV's BizTech program hosted by Ernestina Serwaa Asante, he wondered why any shipping line would take that path, as most of their work depends on freight forwarders and importers.
Mantey stated categorically that freight forwarders direct cargoes to these shipping lines, hence their stay in business.
He told the host of BizTech, Ernestina Serwaa Asante, that Ghana remains a safe haven for these shipping lines and it is necessary for them to live harmoniously with the trading community.
On the importation of cars, Mantey said customs have not increased taxes on vehicles, which are subject to a 5% or 10% import duty depending on the engine capacity.
He blamed the high cost of vehicles on the depreciation of the local currency, the cedi.
"This port is the safest and best... they have a safe haven here. We receive the biggest vessels in town. They have nowhere to go. In fact, they will not survive without coming to Tema," Johnny Mantey said on GhanaWeb TV's BizTech programme.
The Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIIF), Tema District, Johnny Mantey, further accused some shipping lines, including customs house brokerage, of participating in the freight forwarding business.
He said this was an abuse of dominance, as they have greater financial muscle to enable them to monopolize the sector and push local businesses out.
Mr. Mantey said the actions taken by these shipping lines were in violation of Section 43 (1) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).
The Act reserves the business of the customs house agent to entities that are wholly owned by indigenous Ghanaians licensed by the Commissioner-General of Customs.
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