The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has postponed the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge to July 1, 2026, following strong concerns from businesses and stakeholders within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry over rising port costs.
The revised levy was originally scheduled to take effect on May 1, but authorities say the delay will allow for additional consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other industry operators before a final pricing structure is adopted.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, May 13, the Authority explained that the extended engagement period is aimed at ensuring that any revised charges strike a balance between operational sustainability and maintaining Ghana’s competitiveness within the regional trade and logistics sector.
As part of temporary measures introduced during the consultation period, the Transport Minister has directed the immediate enforcement of a cap on the Container Administrative Charge.
Under the interim arrangement, the charge must not exceed GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.
The decision is expected to ease pressure on businesses that have consistently raised concerns about increasing port-related fees and their impact on trade operations.
Industry players have argued that rising administrative and logistics charges continue to increase the cost of doing business in Ghana, particularly for importers and exporters already dealing with high transport and supply chain expenses.
Some operators have also warned that excessive port charges could weaken Ghana’s competitiveness compared to other ports within the sub-region and discourage trade activity.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has therefore urged all stakeholders to comply with the temporary pricing arrangements while consultations continue ahead of a final determination expected later in July.
The development comes amid broader discussions within Ghana’s trade and logistics sector about improving port efficiency, reducing operational costs and strengthening the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
