Traders and Importers have threatened to increase the prices of goods if the government fails to address what they describe as “unjustifiable and excessive” port charges being imposed on businesses by shipping lines.

The Traders and Importers Association of Ghana (TAGG) says the continued increase in charges at the ports is putting businesses under severe financial pressure and could ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods.

“And if nothing is done, the Ghanaian consumer will ultimately pay the price through higher prices of goods. The responsibility to prevent that outcome lies with the government and the authorities entrusted with regulating the sector,” TAGG said at a press conference held at its office on Tuesday, September 1.

The Association's concerns stem from what it describes as excessive administrative charges imposed by shipping lines, which it says are increasing the cost of doing business for traders and importers.

According to TAGG, the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) engaged stakeholders over an administrative charge imposed by shipping lines, which was initially GH¢550.

However, TAGG said that without further consultation, the Transport Minister increased the charge to GH¢720, a development the Association said it remained silent on.

The Association said the GH¢720 charge was subsequently opposed by the shipping lines, most of which are foreign-owned, following which the companies sought a court injunction.

According to TAGG, after the failed attempt by the shipping lines to secure the injunction, the court ordered a stay on the implementation of the amount.

The Association, however, alleges that the shipping companies have disregarded the court order and are charging between GH¢15,000 and GH¢25,000 at the ports.

TAGG accused the Transport Minister of failing in his mandate to protect traders and importers, arguing that the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that institutions under it protect the national interest and enforce Ghana’s laws and regulations.

“The Minister for Transport has a responsibility to ensure that institutions under his ministry protect the national interest and enforce Ghana’s laws and regulations.

“We are therefore deeply disappointed by what we consider a failure of his leadership in resolving this matter,” the Association said.

TAGG has consequently urged the government to step up efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in the country, warning that the continued imposition of exorbitant charges will eventually affect consumers.

The Association stressed that “TAGG is not Father Christmas,” indicating that traders and importers cannot continue absorbing the rising cost of doing business.“Ghanaians deserve fairness, traders deserve relief and importers deserve justice; consumers deserve protection,” TAGG said.

The Association further questioned the competence of government-appointed officials tasked with addressing challenges affecting businesses and consumers.

“If the government-appointed officials cannot effectively address persistent problems that directly affect the livelihoods of Ghanaians, then their competence and performance must be seriously reviewed,” TAGG said.

“We therefore maintain that the Transport Minister’s incompetence is based on what we consider his continued failure to adequately address these serious and persistent challenges affecting Ghanaian traders and workers,” TAGG added.