Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe Enforces New Port Charges as Container Volumes Surge 100%

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has announced the mandatory enforcement of a GH₵720 Container Administrative Charge following a court ruling that dismissed opposition to the fee. This directive comes at a critical time as Ghana’s ports face an unprecedented crisis, with container volumes surging nearly 100% in recent months—a level of traffic not seen in over two decades. The Minister emphasized that the government will only engage in further negotiations with shipping companies once they comply with the administrative charge, which applies to both import and export Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The surge has led to significant operational strain and congestion, particularly at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal in Tema.

To combat the gridlock, the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) are implementing emergency measures to evacuate overstayed containers and facilitate the removal of empty ones by shipping lines. Minister Nikpe also revealed plans to procure two new cranes to enhance cargo handling efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times. Furthermore, the government is collaborating with the Railway Development Authority to identify temporary relocation sites for containers to alleviate pressure on the main terminals. Appiah Adomako Kusi, West African Regional Director of CUTS International, noted that the current infrastructure is under such extreme pressure that a new port terminal may be the only long-term solution to avoid mounting demurrage charges for businesses.

The port congestion has already begun to impact consumer prices, sparking a debate between industry stakeholders and the government over a projected GH₵12 increase in the price of cement. While the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers attributes the hike to demurrage charges on delayed clinker shipments, the GPHA has clarified that port congestion alone cannot justify such a significant price increment. The Authority maintains that various other operational factors and supply chain logistics are at play. In response to these concerns, the Ministers of Transport and Trade are scheduled to meet at Tema Port to discuss the allocation of additional berths specifically for clinker ships to stabilize the cement market.

Amidst these logistical challenges, the administration of President John Mahama is moving forward with broader economic reforms aimed at attracting long-term investment. Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor recently signed Memoranda of Understanding with Eni Ghana and Vitol Upstream Tano Limited for offshore exploration in the Tano Basin, targeting US$1.5 billion in new investments. These efforts reflect a dual strategy by the Mahama government to address immediate infrastructure bottlenecks at the ports while simultaneously reviving the upstream petroleum sector to ensure sustainable economic growth and resource management.