The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for an impartial investigation into a reported assault incident at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office at the Tema Port, warning that unresolved operational challenges could trigger further confrontations between port users and service providers.
The Association says persistent delays in shipping invoices, payment confirmation and container releases, alongside mounting charges and disruptions to cargo movement, are increasing financial pressure on businesses operating at the port.
In a press statement dated October 19, 2026, IEAG’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, condemned violence and unlawful conduct while urging the authorities to investigate the reported incident and address the underlying grievances.
“Any allegation of assault must be investigated impartially by the appropriate authorities, and anyone found culpable must be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The Association cautioned that prolonged delays and uncertainty over essential shipping services could heighten frustration among importers, clearing agents and other port users, potentially leading to further confrontations.
IEAG warned that unresolved tensions could result in serious injuries, property destruction, disruptions to port operations and threats to the safety of workers and the wider port community.
“The authorities must not wait for a preventable confrontation to result in serious injury or loss of life before taking decisive action,” it said.
Beyond the reported MSC office incident, the Association raised concerns about disruptions at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3, where more than 120 trucks reportedly scheduled to transfer containers were delayed by issues attributed to terminal operations.
According to IEAG, such disruptions can prolong truck turnaround times, increase the cost of container movements, affect haulage schedules and create bottlenecks across the wider logistics chain.
The Association said allegations that the delays were contributing to the accumulation of rent, storage and other charges had not been independently established and should be investigated transparently.
It has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), working with MPS and other relevant stakeholders, to establish the causes of the disruptions, determine responsibility and clarify the basis for any additional charges imposed on affected port users.
IEAG is also urging the Minister for Finance to convene an emergency meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, GPHA, shipping lines, terminal operators and other industry stakeholders to address the operational challenges and security concerns.
The Association wants the meeting to secure enforceable service timelines, effective complaints mechanisms, transparent performance monitoring and fair treatment of additional charges where service-provider failures are established.
It also wants applicable Service Level Agreements to be enforced, arguing that shipping lines and terminal operators must be held accountable for their obligations just as shippers are expected to comply with container-return deadlines and other contractual requirements.
“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,” the statement said.
IEAG says a coordinated intervention is necessary to restore confidence, improve port efficiency and prevent further escalation of tensions within Ghana’s maritime trade and logistics sector.