Tema Port faces congestion amid rising cargo volumes and customs delays

Tema Port in Ghana is experiencing significant congestion due to rising cargo volumes and intensive customs procedures. Terminal 3, which has handled approximately 2.5 million TEUs recently, is facing bottlenecks as 70% of containers undergo full physical inspections. This rate is seven times higher than the 10% recommended by the World Customs Organization.

Rising container traffic has placed immense pressure on terminal capacity. Meridian Port Services reported that volumes grew from 700,000 TEUs in 2020 to an estimated 2.7 million TEUs by 2025. The accumulation of empty containers has further reduced available yard space, contributing to a median vessel waiting time of approximately 3.13 days.

The congestion has resulted in substantial financial burdens for businesses. The cement industry reportedly incurred demurrage charges between US$45 million and US$50 million over an eight-month period, while petroleum distributors paid US$44 million to shipping companies in the first half of 2025. These costs are often passed on to consumers.

Logistical challenges are exacerbated by limited inland connectivity, specifically a reliance on a single road and the lack of a functional rail link. This stands in contrast to regional competitors like Abidjan and Lomé, which benefit from better rail connections and more efficient customs processes. Stakeholders are now calling for improved customs risk management, infrastructure upgrades, and better coordination among government agencies to reduce cargo dwell times.