IEAG calls for probe into delays affecting over 120 trucks at Tema Port

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for stricter enforcement of service agreements governing shipping lines and terminal operators, as persistent delays at Tema Port continue to raise concerns over additional costs, cargo movement and port-user safety.

The Association wants the Minister for Finance to convene an emergency meeting with relevant stakeholders to address delays in shipping invoices, payment processing and container releases, as well as disruptions at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3.

In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, IEAG said more than 120 trucks scheduled to transfer containers at the terminal were reportedly delayed by operational issues, disrupting haulage schedules and increasing the cost of container movements.

It called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), working with MPS and other stakeholders, to establish the causes of the disruptions, determine responsibility and clarify the basis for any additional charges imposed on affected port users.

The Association also raised concerns about a reported confrontation at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office at Tema Port, during which an alleged assault incident was reported.

It condemned violence and intimidation and called for an impartial investigation into the incident, while warning that unresolved operational grievances could lead to further confrontations.

“IEAG warns that if these concerns remain unresolved, further confrontations could result in serious injuries, destruction of property, disruption of port operations and threats to the safety of workers and the wider port community,” the statement said.

The Association said the reported incident should prompt authorities to address the underlying frustrations linked to prolonged delays, mounting charges and difficulties accessing shipping services.

IEAG said shippers who have fulfilled their payment and documentation obligations should not be left to bear unjustified costs arising from service-provider failures.

It acknowledged that legitimate demurrage, rent and storage charges serve recognized commercial purposes but insisted that their application must be transparent and consistent with the relevant tariffs, contractual terms and law.

The Association called for a review and enforcement of applicable Service Level Agreements (SLAs), including clear performance standards, measurable turnaround times, defined responsibilities, complaint-escalation procedures and remedies for service failures.

“Accountability in the maritime sector must be reciprocal. Shippers must fulfil their obligations, but shipping lines and terminal operators must equally be held accountable for the services they are contracted or required to provide,” IEAG said.

It urged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to investigate complaints and protect shippers’ interests, while asking the GPHA to strengthen oversight of port operations and work with terminal operators to address bottlenecks.

The proposed emergency meeting, the Association said, should produce concrete decisions, deadlines and assigned responsibilities rather than another routine consultation.

“The proposed meeting must not become another routine consultation without tangible outcomes. It must produce clear decisions, deadlines, assigned responsibilities and an effective mechanism for tracking implementation,” the statement said.

IEAG warned that persistent disruptions at Tema Port could undermine business confidence, disrupt supply chains and affect Ghana’s export competitiveness.