Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders protest today over excessive cargo fees

Stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping industry are set to protest today against what they describe as exorbitant and hidden fees imposed by shipping lines operating in the country.

The protest, led by key industry groups, aims to address grievances over the growing financial burden on customs agents and freight forwarders due to unclear and excessive charges levied during cargo operations.

Edward Akrong, former President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), emphasized the protest’s significance, calling for an end to what he termed “unjust charges” that have plagued the shipping community for years.

Speaking to Citi FM, Akrong stated, “This protest has got to do with the shipping lines and their boring charges in our ports. It is against how we have been treated all this while.”

He added that the cost of releasing a 40-foot container from a shipping line has now reached nearly $100,000, with additional hidden charges that are unsustainable for the industry.

The protest is organized by various industry bodies, including the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana and the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana.

Together, they seek greater accountability and fairness from shipping companies.

Akrong noted that despite numerous engagements with the Ministry of Transport over the years, little progress has been made.

“About five of my predecessors have written letters that show we have engaged on this many times, and the time has come for this to end,” he declared, urging reforms to ease the financial strain on port operators.