The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has sounded the alarm over worsening congestion at the nation’s ports, urging the government to take swift action or risk losing vital import business to neighbouring countries, most notably Côte d’Ivoire.
At a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 14, 2026, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit painted a stark picture of delays and uncertainties in cargo clearance, warning that Ghana’s trade competitiveness hangs in the balance. He revealed that some importers are already exploring alternative routes through the Port of Abidjan due to the persistent challenges at Ghanaian ports.
“IEAG is already receiving indications that some importers are exploring the possibility of routing their cargo through the Port of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire because of the delays and uncertainties associated with clearing cargo through Ghana’s ports,” Awingobit stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
He cautioned that once importers and exporters establish reliable alternative supply chains, reclaiming that business for Ghana could prove difficult, with long-term consequences for the country’s economy.
To avert a crisis, IEAG is calling on the Chief of Staff at the Presidency to urgently convene a high-level meeting with key ministers, including Finance, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and Transport, as well as port authorities and regulatory agencies. The Association insists that an immediate action plan is needed to decongest the ports and streamline cargo clearance processes.
IEAG also highlighted several factors exacerbating the congestion, such as excessive routing of containers for physical examination, breakdowns in coordinated inspections, increasing regulatory fees and charges, and lengthy truck turnaround times. To address these systemic issues, the Association proposed introducing measurable performance targets for port operations, setting maximum turnaround times for examinations, valuation disputes, regulatory inspections, truck processing, and cargo release.
With the December peak trading season approaching, IEAG warned that without decisive intervention, Ghana could face even more severe congestion and the lasting challenge of winning back importers who have shifted their business to competing ports in the region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com