The immediate past President of the Ghana Institute for Freight Forwarders, Eddy Akrong, has voiced strong concerns over the exorbitant fee structures at the nation’s ports.
Importers and exporters in Ghana have been vocal about the crippling charges they face.
In an interview on ABC News Ghana, Akrong emphasized the urgent need to halt these practices and address the financial strain they impose on trade.
Akrong urged the government to closely examine the situation and implement necessary reforms. He highlighted the efficiency of Ghana’s ports, noting that “we have one of the best ports in the region” with a quick turnaround time for shipments.
Despite this efficiency, he lamented that the associated fees have skyrocketed, with charges being “quadrupled” and an array of additional fees such as cleaning, terminal handling, and empty container charges complicating the cost structure for businesses.
In his discussion, Akrong reiterated the numerous complaints lodged with various government bodies, including Parliament and the Ministers of Trade and Transport.
He criticized the cyclical nature of these complaints, stating, “they are asked to stop these charges; the following week they will be back at it,” and noted that these charges keep increasing, compounding the problem for importers and exporters alike.
Akrong raised concerns about the lack of transparency in exchange rates used by shipping lines, which often deviate from the Bank of Ghana’s rates, leading to further financial instability.
Discussing the Shipping Line Act currently under consideration in Parliament, Akrong expressed disappointment in the late involvement of the Ghana Institute for Freight Forwarders.
He pointed out potential bureaucratic obstacles that could hinder meaningful change.
