Importers, Exporters Welcome Delay of Revised Container Charge
Stakeholders say the postponement will allow for further consultations on the proposed charges.
- Government postponed the revised charge to July 1, 2026.
- Stakeholders raised concerns over its impact on trade.
- The delay will allow for more industry consultations.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the intervention by the Ministry of Transport was necessary following growing unease among businesses and port users over the possible impact of the new charges on trade activities.
According to him, disagreements between shipping line operators and stakeholders in the import and export sector had escalated, making government intervention crucial to ensure fairness and stability.
“The intervention by the Minister of Transport is in the right direction. When there is disagreement between stakeholders, the responsibility falls on the sector minister to step in and ensure a fair outcome for all parties,” he stated.
The comments come after the Ghana Shippers’ Authority postponed the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026.
The delay is expected to allow for further consultations involving shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers and exporters.
Mr Awingobit revealed that concerns over the proposed charges had earlier been presented to the Presidency through a petition submitted by industry stakeholders.
He explained that the issue was later referred to the Transport Minister, who engaged stakeholders before directing that the implementation be deferred.
The Association believes the extension will provide an opportunity for broader discussions on the pricing structure while helping to reduce the financial burden on businesses and consumers.
