The federal government has issued a stern ultimatum to shipping companies: comply with the mandated GH¢720 container administrative charge or face a total freeze on negotiations. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe confirmed that this stance follows a decisive court victory that cleared the way for the government to enforce the fee.
The Minister made it clear that the government is ready to engage in dialogue, but only after the industry falls in line. Shipping firms are expected to adhere to the GH¢720 regulatory cap per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) before any further discussions can take place at the table.
This regulatory push comes as the nation’s ports face a massive logistical crisis. According to Mr. Nikpe, container traffic has skyrocketed by nearly 100 percent, marking the highest volume surge seen in two decades. This sudden spike has overwhelmed the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal in Tema, leading to frustrating delays and severe space shortages.
To tackle the gridlock, the government is launching an aggressive clearance operation to move containers that have overstayed their welcome. Officials are also pushing shipping lines to clear out empty containers that are currently clogging up valuable terminal space.
In a bid to restore efficiency, authorities are partnering with the Railway Development Authority to transport excess cargo to alternative storage sites. Furthermore, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has received orders to procure two new cranes to speed up cargo handling and ease the pressure on port operations.
Source: classfmonline.com
