Ghana’s Tema Port is facing a slowdown that goes beyond idle cargo and delayed shipments. According to the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), prolonged delays in clearing bulk and bagged goods could push importers to seek alternatives, potentially rerouting shipments to neighboring Togo.
“This could encourage attempts to smuggle goods back into the country, potentially leading to massive losses in government revenue and undermining trade regulations,” FABAG warned, emphasizing the economic and legal risks of continued operational bottlenecks.
The slowdown stems from a shortage of unskilled labor. Regular port workers, responsible for offloading essential imports, are absent due to disputes over compensation, leaving temporary laborers struggling to handle the workload. Currently, only a fraction of the usual cargo volume is being processed daily, creating mounting pressures on businesses.
For importers, the situation isn’t just inconvenient, it’s costly. Demurrage fees accumulate as goods sit unclaimed at the port, while the risk of diverted shipments threatens both revenue streams and the integrity of Ghana’s trade system. FABAG stressed that swift action is needed, calling on port management, labor representatives, and government authorities to find a sustainable resolution.
For consumers, the ripple effect could be higher prices and reduced availability of staples like rice, sugar, and flour, FABAG warns
