The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has raised serious concerns over the operational performance of the Tema Port, claiming that vessel cargo discharge rates have collapsed to just 200 metric tonnes per day, a drastic drop from the previous minimum average of 2,000 tonnes.
According to FABAG, this 90% decline in efficiency is the worst seen in over two decades and is severely affecting bulk and bagged cargo port users.
The association says the introduction of a 24-hour shift system has failed to improve productivity, citing inadequate staffing, low worker morale, and unresolved grievances as contributing factors.
“Current labour productivity has dropped drastically, with vessels now discharging approximately 200 metric tonnes per day compared to the previous minimum average of 2000 metric tonnes per day. This represents a 90% decline in operational efficiency, with devastating consequences for bulk and bagged cargo port users,” FABAG said in a statement.
The association warned that prolonged delays and inefficiencies are translating into rising demurrage, storage, and logistics costs for importers, manufacturers, and ultimately, Ghanaian consumers.
FABAG called for urgent, transparent engagement between port management, labour unions, and key user groups, as well as independent verification of port performance data to restore efficiency and confidence.
