Accra: Ghana's increasing import volumes are placing significant strain on the country's port infrastructure, leading to higher demurrage charges that ultimately affect businesses and consumers. West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Adomako Kusi, emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the necessity for the development of an additional terminal to support existing facilities.
According to Ghana Web, Kusi expressed concerns during an appearance on Channel One TV, noting that Ghana's port capacity has been critically pressured since 2020 due to rising goods volumes. This congestion has resulted in delays in clearing cargo, escalating demurrage costs for importers, and passing on these additional expenses to consumers through increased prices.
Kusi pointed out that using a six-month moving average, it is evident that the port would have exceeded its capacity following 2020, necessitating a new terminal. He highlighted the specific impact on petroleum products, with approximately $50 million in demurrage costs being transferred to fuel prices annually.
He urged the government to consider developing an additional terminal, possibly through a public-private partnership, to alleviate the stress on current facilities. Kusi emphasized that future investments in port infrastructure should be informed by cargo volume data and Ghana's anticipated trade growth.