Tema Port faces record congestion as Ghana implements new container charges

Ghana is facing unprecedented container congestion at the Tema Port, with cargo volumes reportedly increasing by nearly 100 percent compared to previous levels—a surge not seen in two decades. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has identified a lack of connecting inland infrastructure as a primary cause for the bottleneck, noting that while Terminal 3 boosted capacity, transit networks failed to keep pace.

To mitigate the gridlock, the government is evaluating road and harbor corridor expansions, the construction of new berths, and the acquisition of additional cranes. Immediate measures include utilizing Railway Development Authority terminal space to temporarily move containers and directing the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to identify and evacuate overstayed containers. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has also urged authorities to reclaim expired port lands to expand container-handling facilities.

In a separate development related to port operations, the government has made the implementation of a GHC720 Container Administrative Charge a prerequisite for resuming negotiations with shipping companies. This follows a High Court ruling that dismissed an injunction against the charge, which was intended to address the high cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.