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11 clusters · 24 sources · 36 days · First seen · Last updated

Congestion and efficiency efforts at Tema Port

Overview

The Port of Tema in Ghana continues to face severe congestion, driven by rising cargo volumes and intensive customs procedures. By September 2026, cargo volumes reportedly increased by nearly 100 percent compared to previous levels, a surge not seen in two decades. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe identified a lack of connecting inland infrastructure as a primary cause, 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 (GPHA) to 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. The congestion has fueled disputes within the cement industry. While the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) implemented a GH¢12.00 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge, the GPHA has disputed claims that port congestion is the sole driver of recent cement price hikes, citing hygiene requirements that necessitate separating cement from food products. CUTS International has criticized the uniform nature of the surcharge, with West African Regional Director Appiah Adomako Kusi suggesting the agreement could indicate “anti-competitive or cartel-like behavior.” To address a significant backlog of clinker vessels that had been idling offshore for over 30 days, the government has secured an additional berth at Tema Port. Additionally, the GPHA has completed dredging works in the bulk cargo section to create deeper berths capable of accommodating larger vessels.

Entities

Tema Port · Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority · Ghana Shippers’ Authority · Meridian Port Services · Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Tema Port officials address congestion and host Sierra Leonean delegation

    Ghanaian ministers addressed congestion at Tema Port, while a Sierra Leonean delegation toured the facilities to gather technical insights for their upcoming US$55 million industrial fishing port project.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Tema Port secures additional berth to ease cement clinker backlog

    Ghana has secured an extra berth at Tema Port to clear a clinker vessel backlog and reduce demurrage costs affecting cement prices, despite GPHA noting other factors influence import costs.

  3. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Ghana cement price hike sparks port dispute and cartel concerns

    Ghanaian cement manufacturers face scrutiny over a uniform GH₵12 price hike, with port authorities disputing congestion as the sole cause and consumer advocates raising cartel concerns.

  4. [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    Tema Port faces record congestion as Ghana implements new container charges

    Ghana is addressing unprecedented container congestion at Tema Port through infrastructure expansion and new terminal usage, while tying shipping negotiations to a mandatory GHC720 administrative charge.

  5. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Ghana cement manufacturers face cartel allegations over uniform surcharge

    CUTS International has warned that a uniform GH¢12 cement surcharge implemented by Ghanaian manufacturers may constitute cartel behavior following massive demurrage costs at Tema Port.

  6. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Tema Port faces congestion amid rising cargo volumes and customs delays

    Tema Port in Ghana faces severe congestion driven by high cargo volumes and excessive physical customs inspections, leading to significant demurrage costs for businesses and increased vessel waiting times.

  7. [BUSINESS] 9 sources
    Tema Port congestion drives cement price surcharges in Ghana

    Port congestion at Ghana's Tema Port is driving up costs, leading cement manufacturers to implement a GH¢12 surcharge per bag due to massive demurrage fees and vessel delays.

  8. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Tema Port congestion threatens Ghana's 24-hour economy

    The Ghana Union of Traders' Associations warns that severe congestion at Tema Port, caused by shipping line delays in moving empty containers, is driving up business costs and threatening the 24-hour economy.

  9. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Tema Port congestion threatens Ghana's AI trade gains

    Ghanaian trade groups warn that congestion at Tema Port and poor road infrastructure could undo the efficiency gains and revenue increases provided by the new AI-powered customs system.

  10. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Ghana Maritime Authority pushes for efficiency at Tema Port

    The Ghana Maritime Authority is calling for the swift implementation of digital and operational measures at Tema Port to reduce vessel delays and improve efficiency through Just-In-Time sailing and a Maritime 단

  11. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority acts to ease Tema Port congestion

    The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is intensifying operations at the Port of Tema to combat congestion caused by rising import volumes and empty container accumulation.

Sources

adomonline.com · asaaseradio.com · capitalnewsonline.com · chale.news · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · ghanamma.com · indiaseatradenews.com · manhattan.edu · myjoyonline.com · mynewsgh.com · myrepubliconline.com · newscenta.com · norvanreports.com · onuaonline.com · opemsuo.com · oyerepafmonline.com · rainbowradioonline.com · sierraleonemonitor.com · thechronicle.com.gh · theghanareport.com · thehighstreetjournal.com · thevaultznews.com · thevoicenewsmagazine.com

This summary has been updated 11 times: see revision history