The Ministry of Finance will meet key stakeholders in Ghana’s maritime and logistics sectors on Wednesday, October 21, to discuss proposed changes to customs clearance procedures amid concerns about persistent delays and rising costs at Tema Port.
The meeting will review existing cargo clearance processes and consider proposed amendments aimed at addressing operational challenges affecting the smooth and timely movement of goods.
The engagement follows calls by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) for urgent intervention over delays in shipping invoices, payment processing and container releases.
The Association says the bottlenecks are increasing demurrage, rent and storage charges for businesses operating through the port.
IEAG has also raised concerns about reported disruptions at Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3, where more than 120 trucks scheduled to transfer containers were reportedly delayed.
It warned that the situation could extend truck turnaround times, disrupt haulage schedules and increase operating costs for importers and other port users, calling for an investigation to establish the causes and determine responsibility.
In an invitation signed by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem on behalf of the Finance Minister, the Ministry said its Revenue Policy Division had conducted a preliminary assessment of existing customs clearance procedures and identified operational challenges affecting cargo movement.
The Ministry said the stakeholder meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss and review proposed amendments. Expected participants include the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana Link Network Services, Meridian Port Services Limited, industry associations and other maritime sector stakeholders.