The Traders Advocacy Group (TAGG) has called on the government to urgently intervene to address what it describes as excessive and unjustifiable charges imposed on Ghanaian traders and importers at the country’s ports.
According to TAGG, traders and importers have engaged relevant authorities for nearly two years over the issue, but the additional financial burden on businesses continues to increase.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the group said it was particularly concerned about administrative charges imposed by shipping lines.
TAGG said following engagements between the Ghana Shippers Authority and stakeholders, an administrative charge of GH¢550 was understood to have been agreed upon, but the amount was subsequently increased to GH¢720.
The group is demanding an explanation for the increase, including who authorised it and the justification for the additional charge.
“We are not opposed to legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state. Our concern is with charges that we believe are excessive, unfair, and inconsistent with the objective of reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana,” the group stated.
TAGG argued that traders could not continue absorbing additional costs, warning that persistent port charges would eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices of imported goods.
The group also rejected arguments that reducing charges could result in job losses at shipping companies, saying the welfare of workers was important but should not be used to justify what it considers unjustified costs.
“Ghana is a sovereign country. Every company operating here must respect Ghana’s laws, regulations, and lawful directives,” TAGG said.
The group has therefore called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to intervene and ensure an immediate review of port charges.
It also urged the Ministry of Transport to enforce existing laws and regulations, while calling on the Ghana Shippers Authority to protect the interests of Ghanaian shippers.
TAGG further called on shipping lines to comply with Ghanaian laws and lawful directives.
Beyond the port charges, the group raised concerns about what it described as a broader transportation crisis affecting traders, workers and other commuters.
It said thousands of people are stranded at markets and transport terminals, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., due to a shortage of commercial vehicles.
TAGG said it had previously petitioned the Presidency on the matter, with its proposals subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Transport.
Among its proposals, the group said, was a 50 percent reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period to encourage private investment and increase the number of vehicles available for public transport.
The group expressed disappointment that meaningful action had yet to be taken to address the transportation challenges.
TAGG also defended its criticism of the Transport Minister, stating that its description of him as incompetent was based on what it considers his failure to adequately address persistent challenges affecting traders and workers.
“Public office demands results, not excuses,” the group said.
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