Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l September 1, 2026—
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has called on the government to urgently intervene to address what it describes as excessive and unjustifiable charges being imposed on traders and importers at the country’s ports.
The group warned that the continued increase in port-related charges would eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices of imported goods.
At a press conference in Accra, the General Secretary of TAGG, Nana Poku, who read a statement on behalf of the group, said traders and importers had spent nearly two years engaging relevant authorities over the charges but were yet to see meaningful relief.
“Enough is enough,” he said, adding that traders were tired of “endless meetings, promises and being told to wait”.
GH¢550 to GH¢720
TAGG expressed particular concern about administrative charges imposed by shipping lines, alleging that an amount of GH¢550 agreed upon following engagements with stakeholders was subsequently increased to GH¢720.
The group demanded an explanation for the increase and questioned who authorised it and why it was necessary.
“Who authorised this increase? Why was it necessary? And in whose interest are these decisions being made?” Nana Poku asked.
He stressed that the group was not opposed to legitimate import duties and lawful taxes owed to the state but was concerned about charges it considered excessive, unfair and inconsistent with efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.
Government intervention
The group, therefore, called on the President and the government to intervene immediately to ensure a review of what it described as excessive port charges.
It also called on the Ministry of Transport to demonstrate stronger leadership and enforce laws and regulations governing the sector.
TAGG further urged the Ghana Shippers Authority to protect the interests of Ghanaian shippers and called on shipping lines operating in the country to comply with Ghana’s laws, regulations and lawful directives.
According to the group, commercial operators should not be allowed to impose charges that undermine businesses and ultimately increase the cost of goods for consumers.
“Ghana is a sovereign country. Every company operating here must respect Ghana’s laws, regulations and lawful directives,” the statement said.
Consumer impact
The group warned that traders could not continue to absorb increasing operational costs indefinitely.
It said additional port and shipping-related charges would inevitably be reflected in the prices of imported goods.
TAGG, therefore, urged consumers to pay attention to the various charges imposed at the ports and questioned why ordinary Ghanaians should bear the consequences of decisions made by institutions and commercial entities.
The group also rejected attempts to justify what it described as excessive charges on the grounds that reducing them could result in job losses at shipping companies.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting workers, TAGG said concerns about possible job losses should not be used to justify what it considered unfair costs on traders, importers and consumers.
Transport concerns
Beyond port charges, TAGG also raised concerns about transportation challenges faced by traders, workers and other commuters, particularly during peak evening hours.
The group said thousands of people were often stranded at markets and transport terminals between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. due to difficulties in finding vehicles to return home.
It said it had proposed measures to address the problem, including a 50 per cent reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period to encourage private investment and increase the number of vehicles available for commercial transportation.
According to TAGG, its petition on the matter had been acknowledged by the Presidency and forwarded to the Ministry of Transport, but meaningful action was yet to be taken.
The group criticised the performance of the Minister of Transport, maintaining that its description of him as incompetent was based on what it considered his failure to adequately address persistent challenges confronting traders and workers.
TAGG said public officials must be held accountable for addressing problems affecting the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
The group reiterated its demand for immediate action, warning that failure to address the concerns would ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers.
“The Ghanaian trader has spoken. The Ghanaian importer has spoken. And if nothing is done, the Ghanaian consumer will ultimately pay the price,” the statement said.
TAGG is led by its President, David Kwadwo Amoateng, with Samuel Asare Addo as Vice-President and Nana Poku as General Secretary.
