Tema:Accra The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has urgently requested a meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The association has raised alarms over ongoing delays at the Tema Port, which they claim are increasing business costs and disrupting the movement of goods.
According to Ghana Web, the association highlighted several issues contributing to the delays, including the issuance of shipping invoices, processing of payments, and the release of containers. These issues have reportedly resulted in businesses incurring additional costs for demurrage, rent, and storage.
The IEAG's statement, released on October 19, 2026, noted that despite completing all required payments and documentation, some importers and exporters are unable to clear their cargo. The association is urging the finance minister to convene a meeting with key stakeholders, including shipping lines, port authorities, terminal operators, and clearing agents, to identify the root causes of these delays and to agree on immediate solutions.
The IEAG emphasized the need for urgent ministerial attention and coordinated intervention, rather than routine engagements that fail to yield measurable results. They also stressed the importance of assigning responsibility for service failures and setting clear deadlines for resolving the issues.
Moreover, the association demanded firm commitments regarding invoicing, payment processing, container releases, and complaints, insisting that businesses should not bear unjustified charges for delays they did not cause. While acknowledging the legitimate purposes of demurrage, rent, and storage charges, the IEAG insisted these must adhere to approved tariffs and legal regulations.
In addition to these concerns, the association raised alarms over reports of more than 120 trucks being delayed at the Meridian Port Services Terminal 3. They called for an investigation into the causes and any additional charges imposed, as these reports have yet to be independently verified.
The IEAG also condemned a reported confrontation involving an alleged assault at the Mediterranean Shipping Company office at Tema Port, calling for an impartial investigation and appropriate sanctions for those responsible. The association warned that unresolved delays and increasing charges could weaken supply chains and harm Ghana's status as a regional trading hub.