The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has strongly challenged recent assurances by the management of the Tema Port that operational challenges at the bulk and bagged cargo section have been resolved, insisting that conditions at the port have instead deteriorated sharply.
In a press release issued, the association, which represents major importers of bulk food and beverage commodities, described the port’s public statements as inconsistent with realities on the ground. FABAG maintains that its members continue to face severe operational disruptions, with information from within the port indicating that performance levels have fallen to what insiders describe as the worst in more than 23 years.
According to the association, cargo discharge rates at the bulk and bagged cargo section have collapsed dramatically. Where vessels previously discharged an average minimum of about 2,000 metric tonnes per day, current output has reportedly dropped to approximately 200 metric tonnes daily, a decline of nearly 90 percent. FABAG argues that this sharp reduction has had devastating consequences for importers, manufacturers, and supply chains dependent on the port.
The association also dismissed claims that the introduction of a 24-hour shift system has improved productivity. Instead, it pointed to inadequate staffing levels, low worker morale, and unresolved labour grievances as key factors continuing to undermine throughput and operational efficiency.
Vessel turnaround times have also reportedly worsened significantly. FABAG says ships are experiencing prolonged berthing periods, slow cargo evacuation, and inconsistent loading and offloading schedules. These delays are driving up demurrage, storage, and logistics costs across the supply chain.
At present, the association disclosed that three vessels discharging bulk and bagged cargo are already accruing substantial demurrage charges. FABAG warned that these additional costs will ultimately be passed on to importers, local manufacturers, and Ghanaian consumers through higher prices.
FABAG expressed concern over what it described as a growing disconnect between official communications from port authorities and the lived experiences of port users. “Minimizing the situation does not solve the problem. It rather worsens uncertainty and erodes confidence,” the association stated.
The group stressed that the Tema Port remains a critical national asset, with inefficiencies at the facility having direct implications for inflation, food security, the competitiveness of local manufacturing, and overall economic growth. In its view, public relations assurances cannot replace tangible operational improvements.
“The problem at the Port of Tema persists, and they must be addressed urgently and decisively,” FABAG said.
As part of its recommendations, the association called for immediate and transparent engagement among the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), port management, labour unions, and key port users. It also urged independent verification of port performance data, including vessel turnaround times and cargo dwell times, alongside urgent corrective measures to restore efficiency, reliability, and predictability at the port.
FABAG emphasized that while it remains open to constructive engagement with authorities, it will continue to speak out when operational failures threaten the survival of local businesses and the welfare of consumers.
