The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has threatened to demonstrate against a proposed 11 percent tariff increment for cargo handling at the Terminal Three of the Tema Port.
The increment, which is to take effect next month, the importers argue, will increase the cost of shipping.
The Meridian Port Services, operators of the new Terminal 3 at the Tema Port, made a proposal to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) earlier this year for an upward adjustment of tariffs on container handling due to what it considers to be a fulfillment of an agreement in a contract with GPHA.
But Executive Secretary of the Association, Sampson Asaki Awingobit on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday said a new charge will collapse their business.
“We are strongly opposed to the tariff adjustment which will also affect export cargoes, considering the fact that exports are cost sensitive and for that, attempts to increase tariffs will make the country’s ports unattractive which will impact negatively on government’s new port strategy,” he stressed.
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Though there has been stakeholder engagements since MPS announced its intention to increase the cargo handling charges, Mr Awingobit said importers did not give their approval.
“It is illogical for shippers to pay for potential investments, since they will be made to pay for those same facilities in the nearest future,” he fumed.
Mr Awingobit is convinced the move endorsed by the GPHA is a scam and a dubious means to tax shippers.
He added that they would demonstrate against authorities if the government went ahead to implement the increment.
Source: Ghana|Adomonline.com|Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman
