Importers in Ghana have raised alarms over persistent congestion at the nation’s ports, attributing delays in clearing goods to technical system downtime and the recent appreciation of the cedi.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) reports that hundreds of containers remain uncleared for extended periods, disrupting supply chains and driving up the cost of doing business. Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit warned that prolonged delays could increase demurrage charges, raise consumer prices, and reduce competitiveness for companies reliant on imported raw materials and finished goods.
Industry insiders say the appreciation of the cedi has led some importers to postpone clearing shipments, awaiting more favourable exchange rates. In addition, technical disruptions at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) terminal have slowed documentation and payment processes, exacerbating congestion. Some containers are reportedly being rerouted to alternative terminals to ease bottlenecks.
“The increased traffic at the ports is partly due to the stability of the cedi, but system breakdowns are also affecting clearance times,” Awingobit said. He urged the government and port authorities to implement urgent system improvements to support trade facilitation and maintain supply chain efficiency.
As Ghana seeks to boost trade and economic growth, industry stakeholders stress that addressing operational and technical challenges at its ports is critical to sustaining the flow of goods and maintaining business confidence.