The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has thrown its support behind a new directive by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to cap the Container Administrative Charge at GH¢550 per 20-foot container (TEU), effective May 1, 2026.
The traders’ body says the move is a major step toward reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports, where importers and exporters have long complained about excessive and unjustified charges imposed by shipping lines and their agents.
According to GUTA, the Container Administrative Charge—introduced in the late 1980s—has outlived its original purpose but has continued to increase over the years, placing a heavy financial burden on traders. In 2024 alone, shippers reportedly paid about GH¢1.69 billion under the charge.
GUTA noted that the new cap follows extensive stakeholder consultations involving trade groups, freight forwarders and shipping agents under the framework of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
The association believes the GH¢550 ceiling will bring much-needed relief, estimating annual savings of about GH¢802.5 million for businesses. It also welcomed the decision to denominate the charge in cedis rather than dollars, describing it as a move that will improve transparency and cost predictability.
While acknowledging the role of shipping agents, GUTA insisted there is no justification for the continuous increase in the charge, especially when its original basis no longer applies.
The association further described the directive as a starting point in broader efforts to eliminate unfair port fees and restore balance within Ghana’s trade environment.
