The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to urgently engage shipping lines to resolve the growing congestion at the Port of Tema.
According to GUTA, the congestion is having a severe impact on businesses by delaying cargo operations and adding to the cost of doing business.
In a statement dated August 31, 2026, the association said the situation was largely linked to delays in discharging unstuffed empty containers at the various shipping-line depots and yards.
It said the delays have resulted in long queues of trucks stretching from the port entrance to the vicinity of the Regional Maritime University.
GUTA said some truck drivers have reportedly spent almost a week in queues before they are able to discharge their empty containers.
The association said its investigations had established that the congestion was also contributing to rising demurrage charges, as unstuffed containers continue to occupy valuable space at terminals.
According to GUTA, the situation is making it difficult for stuffed containers to be brought into the terminals for examination and clearance.
It further noted that some shipping lines lack the logistics required to move empty containers from the terminals to their respective yards, further worsening the congestion.
GUTA has consequently called for immediate stakeholder engagement involving the GPHA, shipping lines and other relevant actors to find a lasting solution to the problem.
The association warned that if the congestion persists, it could undermine the government’s 24-hour economy policy at the port by slowing down the movement and clearance of goods.
It also expressed concern that the situation could worsen in the coming months as import volumes are expected to increase towards the end of the year.
GUTA said continued delays would force importers to incur additional demurrage charges, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods and services.
The association therefore urged the GPHA to act swiftly by coordinating with shipping lines to clear the backlog of empty containers and restore smooth operations at the Port of Tema.
GUTA President, Clement Boateng, signed the statement.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
