TAGG Calls for Review of Excessive Port Charges
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TAGG Calls for Urgent Review of Port Charges in Ghana
The Traders and General Importers Association of Ghana (TAGG) has called on government to urgently review what it describes as excessive charges levied on businesses operating through Ghana’s ports. The appeal came in a press statement signed by all of the association’s executive members.
At a press conference on September 1, TAGG revealed just how long this issue has been dragging on. According to the association, traders and importers have been engaging relevant authorities for close to two years, but say they’ve seen little in the way of meaningful resolution.
Their warning is straightforward: if port-related costs keep climbing without intervention, that pressure won’t stay with businesses it’ll eventually show up in the prices consumers pay for imported goods.
At the heart of TAGG’s complaint is a specific administrative fee tied to shipping lines. According to the association, the Ghana Shippers Authority had previously engaged stakeholders on this issue, and GH¢550 was understood to be the agreed rate.
But somewhere along the way, that figure quietly climbed to GH¢720 with no prior notice and no explanation offered, according to TAGG.
The association wants answers. Who approved the increase? Why was it necessary? And perhaps most pointedly who actually benefits from the extra money?
TAGG was careful to draw a clear line here. This isn’t about dodging legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state. Their frustration is specifically with charges they consider excessive, unfair, and out of step with government’s own stated goal of making it easier and cheaper to do business in Ghana.
The association laid out a clear set of demands. They want the President and government to step in immediately and review excessive port charges. They’re calling on the Ministry of Transport to enforce existing laws and protect Ghanaian businesses and consumers from unchecked cost increases.
TAGG also wants the Ghana Shippers Authority to take a firmer stand in protecting the interests of Ghanaian shippers, and for shipping lines to fully comply with Ghana’s laws, regulations, and lawful directives. On top of that, the association is pushing for government to consider reducing import duties on commercial vehicles, a move they believe could help ease the country’s ongoing transport shortage.
TAGG made clear that traders can’t keep absorbing these additional costs indefinitely. If the charges remain unchanged, the association warned, prices of imported goods will rise placing even more pressure on ordinary Ghanaians and adding to the broader economic burden on society.
