Hundreds of haulage truck drivers have been left stranded in Tema following prolonged delays in returning empty containers to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) terminal.
The drivers say the situation has brought their operations to a standstill, leaving them with huge financial losses and emotional distress.
According to the drivers, what is ordinarily a routine process has turned into a waiting game, with many spending more than three days in queues to offload empty containers.
The delay has prevented them from picking up new consignments, significantly affecting their daily earnings.
The drivers further claim they are incurring demurrage charges ranging from 50 US dollars per day, compounding their financial burden.
As a result, dozens of articulated trucks have been parked along sections of the Nungua–Sakumono Road, while others have occupied roads around Communities Three and Five in Tema, raising concerns over traffic congestion and road safety.
Speaking to Adom News, some of the affected drivers appealed to government and the management of MSC to urgently intervene and clear the backlog to enable them resume work.
The drivers warned that if the situation persists, it could negatively affect the movement of cargo and disrupt business activities at the Tema Port.
Meanwhile, freight forwarders have also expressed concern over the delays, describing the situation as a major setback to the country’s logistics sector.
They say the prolonged waiting period is costing importers, transporters and clearing agents heavily, and have called for immediate action to restore efficiency at the port.
The freight forwarders further urged the relevant authorities to engage all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the recurring congestion at the empty container terminal.
