Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) have accused the Transport Minister of failing in his mandate to protect traders and importers in Ghana.

Their concerns stem from what they describe as “unjustifiable and excessive” port charges being imposed on businesses by shipping lines.

“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 at a press conference held at its office on Tuesday, September 1.

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

However, TAGG claims that without further consultation, the Transport Minister increased the charge to GH¢720, a move the Association said it did not immediately oppose.

The Association said the GH¢720 charge was subsequently challenged by the shipping lines, most of which are foreign-owned, leading to a court action.

According to TAGG, after the shipping lines failed in their bid for a court injunction, the court ordered a stay on the implementation of the charge.

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

TAGG has consequently urged the government to intensify efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana, warning that the public could ultimately bear the brunt of the high charges.

The Association stressed that “TAGG is not Father Christmas”, suggesting that businesses cannot continue absorbing the additional costs indefinitely.

It further called for greater accountability from government officials, arguing that:

“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.”

“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.