IEAG calls for stronger security to sustain 24-hour port operations

By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA 

Accra, Aug. 28, GNA – The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for strengthened security at Ghana’s ports, to support the effective implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy policy. 

Mr Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the IEAG, addressing a press conference, said a secure port environment was essential to sustaining round-the-clock operations and protecting traders, transporters, workers and other port users. 

Mr Awingobit said the call followed a recent isolated attack on some transporters and individuals offloading cargo within the port enclave. 

He urged the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to strengthen patrols, surveillance, and rapid-response mechanisms within the port. 

He said security concerns could undermine efforts to extend port operations into the night and discourage businesses from fully participating in the 24-hour economy. 

Mr Awingobit noted that ensuring the safety of people and cargo should remain a priority, as authorities sought to increase activity at the country’s ports. 

He said improved security would also contribute to investor confidence and Ghana’s ambition to maintain competitive and efficient ports. 

Touching on port congestion, he called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to urgently address persistent container congestion at the Tema Port, noting that the congestion was contributing significantly to vehicular and trade traffic within the port enclave and adjoining areas. 

Mr Awingobit said additional port capacity was required to improve cargo handling and facilitate the movement of goods and therefore urged the GPHA to consider not renewing selected leases on its properties and spaces where appropriate, particularly those that could be converted into modern container terminal facilities. 

He said developing additional container-handling capacity would complement existing facilities at the main port and Terminal Three, which would help reduce congestion, improve cargo-handling efficiency and ease pressure on roads within the port community. 

The IEAG also expressed concern over reports that some shipping lines and their agents continued to impose Container Administrative Charges (CAC) above the regulated ceiling. 

He stated that the current regulatory ceiling was GH¢720 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) for both import and export containers and urged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to ensure compliance with the directive. 

He also appealed to the transport minister to convene an urgent meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other port stakeholders. 

Mr Awingobit stressed that dialogue was necessary to resolve the matter and prevent it from escalating into a disruption of port operations and international trade. 

GNA 

Edited by Christabel Addo 

Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA 
[email protected]