The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has welcomed the government’s decision to postpone the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge, describing the move as timely and necessary to ease tensions within the shipping and logistics sector.
Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the intervention by the Ministry of Transport came at a critical time as concerns continued to grow among businesses and port users over the possible impact of the proposed charges on trade operations.
According to him, disagreements between shipping line operators and stakeholders within the import and export sector had escalated to a point where government intervention became necessary to ensure fairness and stability within the industry.
“The intervention by the Minister of Transport is in the right direction. When there is disagreement between stakeholders, the responsibility falls on the sector minister to step in and ensure a fair outcome for all parties,” Mr. Awingobit stated.
His comments follow the decision by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to postpone the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge from May 1 to July 1, 2026.
The extension is expected to allow for broader consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers and exporters.
Mr. Awingobit disclosed that concerns surrounding the proposed charges had earlier been formally communicated to the Presidency through a petition submitted by industry stakeholders.
According to him, the matter was later referred to the Transport Minister, who subsequently engaged key players within the sector before directing that the implementation be deferred.
The Association believes the additional time will create room for further discussions on the pricing structure and help reduce the potential burden on businesses and consumers.
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