Accra: The government has announced that shipping companies and their agents must begin adhering to the newly approved GHS720 Container Administrative Charge before any further negotiations will be considered. This decision comes after a High Court ruling dismissed an application from the affected companies seeking to halt the implementation of this charge.
According to Ghana Web, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe stated that while representatives from the shipping companies approached the government to restart out-of-court discussions, they were informed that compliance with the approved charge was a prerequisite for any further engagement. The regulatory ceiling for this charge, also known as the local handling charge, applies to import and export containers measured in Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
The issue initially arose following a review of port charges by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) aimed at addressing the high cost of doing business at Ghana's ports. Originally set at $165 per container, the GSA recommended a reduction to $50, approximately GHS550 at the time, after concerns from freight forwarders and importers over inadequate educational and stakeholder engagement.
In response to these concerns, the government conducted seven meetings with stakeholders. Further concerns were raised that the $50 charge might result in job losses among Ghanaian workers. Consequently, an interim charge of $65, roughly GHS720, was agreed upon by the government and the GSA for one month to allow ongoing consultations.
Despite this interim arrangement, the affected shipping companies and agents sought judicial intervention, requesting an injunction against the charge's implementation. However, on 10 July 2026, the High Court dismissed their application, allowing the GSA to enforce its 11 May 2026 Regulatory Directive, which capped the Container Administrative Charge at GHS720 per TEU.
The court ruling has increased pressure from industry players demanding action against shipping lines and agents accused of exceeding the approved charge limit. They argue that such practices elevate the cost of doing business at the ports and create uncertainties for importers and exporters. The government has reiterated its willingness to engage in discussions with the affected companies, provided they comply with the GHS720 ceiling.