GSA Assures Sahelian States of Swift Action on Tema Port Congestion

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has assured Sahelian trade partners that Ghana is committed to resolving the growing congestion at Tema Port, which has raised concerns over delays in cargo clearance and rising costs for businesses.

Prof. Gyampo gave the assurance when he received a high‑level delegation from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger led by the Director General of the Burkina Shippers’ Council, Denise Bado Bonda.

The CEO noted that the government was conscious of the importance of trade facilitation and would not allow recent developments to disrupt the gains made in the shipping sector.

“Together, we will work to address the issues so that they do not degenerate into demurrage and other avoidable costs that could increase the price of goods,” he said.

He mentioned ongoing measures, including plans for a modern truck park in Tema to ease pressure on port operations and improve conditions for drivers.

Prof. Gyampo also stated the importance of closer collaboration among Customs, port operators, regulatory agencies and other institutions in the clearance chain to eliminate bottlenecks.

The Head of Freight and Logistics at GSA, Fred Asiedu‑Dartey, added that the Authority was working with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), shipping lines and terminal operators to increase vessel calls and accelerate the evacuation of empty containers to free up yard space.

He noted that the engagement was consistent with the mandate of GSA to protect and promote the interests of shippers and facilitate an efficient, fair and competitive commercial shipping environment.

On her part, Madam Bonda explained that the delays at Tema were slowing manufacturing activities and affecting other sectors, including education. She revealed that about 100 containers carrying vital school supplies for Burkina Faso were stranded at the port, disrupting the country’s education system.

She said the governments of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali had formed a joint committee to engage Ghanaian stakeholders, stating, “The congestion is not just Ghana’s issue but a regional trade concern.”

For the Sahelian states, the stakes are high as delays at Tema extend along the transit corridor, affecting delivery schedules and increasing costs for businesses and consumers.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD