The Ghana Ports and Habours Authority has defended its new tariffs which took effect on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
The justification follows concerns on the increment raised by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
According to leadership of GUTA, the upward adjustment in tariffs would negatively impact businesses.
However, the GPHA, in a statement countered that they went through careful evaluation before adjusting prices.
The authority also explained that the new tariffs came as a result of increment in other utilities such as water, electricity, fuel, machinery and equipment.
“GPHA was compelled to implement the revised tariff due to the current global economic challenges including inflation and currency depreciation which have increased our operational cost”, the statement said.
“Just like all other increments done in the past, the rates of increment in this year’s tariff adjustment were informed by the outcome of a comparative port tariffs studies we conducted in our neighbouring Ports of Lomé and Abidjan, to ensure that at every given time, our ports will remain competitive in terms of price and quality of services. We wish to note that even with the increment of 1″ August 2023, overall, our port tariffs remain competitive compared to our neighbours”.
They added that “GPHA has invested millions of dollars in upgrading port infrastructure and a well maintained and efficient port system will, which in the long run, will contribute to a reduction in operational costs for businesses, enhance productivity and facilitate smoother trade operations”.