IEAG Urges Urgent Expansion of Tema Port Capacity to Tackle Congestion

By: Samuel Asamoah 

IEAG Urges Urgent Expansion of Tema Port Capacity to Tackle Congestion
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to urgently expand container-handling capacity at the Tema Port as part of measures to address persistent congestion and operational challenges.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, when he hosted a fact-finding team from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) at the Association’s office in Tema on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The engagement formed part of the GMA’s consultations with key port stakeholders to gather views and practical recommendations on the causes of congestion and possible solutions.

Mr. Awingobit urged the GPHA to consider reclaiming port lands whose leases have expired or are due to expire, where legally permissible, and develop additional and larger container-handling facilities to augment existing capacity.
He said the growing volume of cargo passing through the port requires authorities to take proactive measures before congestion worsens.
According to him, the reported increase in container traffic, including volumes handled at Terminal 3, makes the expansion of port infrastructure critical to maintaining efficient cargo operations.
The IEAG Executive Secretary also asked the GMA to investigate complaints of alleged extortion and unnecessary delays involving some inspection and security agencies operating at the port.
He warned that such practices, if established, could increase the cost of doing business while further delaying the clearance of cargo.
Mr. Awingobit further called for stronger enforcement against shipping lines that fail to promptly evacuate or repatriate empty containers after import cargo has been cleared.
He explained that the accumulation of empty containers occupies valuable terminal space and contributes to congestion.
The Association therefore wants appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions applied against shipping lines that persistently fail to comply with empty-container evacuation requirements.
The IEAG believes a coordinated response involving the GMA, GPHA, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, shipping lines, terminal operators, Customs and other stakeholders is required to find a sustainable solution to the congestion challenge.
Members of the GMA fact-finding team, Esi Sam, Albert Ameyaw and Nad Marvin Beyouri, expressed appreciation to the IEAG leadership for the observations and recommendations.
The team said the inputs would inform its ongoing efforts to identify practical and sustainable measures to improve operations and reduce congestion at the Tema Port.
The IEAG has reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and other stakeholders to promote an efficient, competitive and business-friendly maritime and port environment in Ghana.