The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to suspend the implementation of its new tariffs.
Instead, the association has asked the GPHA to “engage stakeholders as the adverse impact of these increases would further compound the high cost of doing business.”
Speaking on Plan B FM late afternoon show EBAANOSEN, with Ohene Kinnah, the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng said,
“The attention of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has been drawn to astronomical increases in Port Tariffs, that have been announced by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).”
“The announcement comes as a surprise to our members, who continue to reel under the effects of the many taxes and levies that have been introduced in recent times, as well as the economic challenges plaguing the country,” Mr. Obeng said.
He further said that the port authorities themselves had been complaining about low traffic at the country’s ports due to the high cost of doing business.
As such, he added that “this decision would further influence increases in shipping line charges.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) has justified its decision to increase port duties, arguing that its port tariffs remain competitive compared to Ghana’neighborsrs.
GPHA attributed the revision of port tariffs to global economic challenges, inflation, and currency depreciation.
In a statement, Ghana Union of Traders’ Association President Dr. Joseph Obeng called on GPHA to suspend the implementation of its new tariff as it will have a toll on crippling businesses.
Responding to GUTA, GPHA explained in a statement dated August 3, explained that, it was “compelled to implement the revised tariff due to the current global economic challenges including Inflation and currency depreciation which have increased our operational cost.”
“Just like all other increments done in the past, the rates of increment in this year’s tariff adjustment were informed by the outcome of a comparative port tariffs studies we conducted in our neighboring Ports of Lomé and Abidjan, to ensure that at every given time, our ports will remain competitive in terms of price and quality of services. We wish to note that even with the increment of 1″ August 2023, overall, our port tariffs remain competitive compared to our neighbors”.
GPHA emphasized that it has invested millions of dollars in upgrading port infrastructure and an efficient port system, which will contribute to a reduction in operational costs for businesses.
“GPHA has invested millions of dollars in upgrading port infrastructure and a well maintained and efficient port system will, which in the long run, will contribute to a reduction in operational costs for businesses, enhance productivity and facilitate smoother trade operations”.
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