Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders set to hold protest today in response to soaring cargo fees
1 month ago
Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders set to hold protest today in response to soaring cargo fees
Key stakeholders at Ghana's ports are set to protest today, Tuesday, September 24, at 9 a.m., against what they describe as exorbitant charges levied by shipping lines operating in the country.
The demonstration seeks to shed light on the increasing financial strain caused by undisclosed fees routinely imposed on members of the shipping community, which have made cargo operations increasingly unsustainable.
Edward Akrong, former President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), told Citi FM that the protest aims to put an end to these excessive and opaque charges. He emphasized that these fees have long hindered the efficient functioning of customs agents and freight forwarders, citing a lack of transparency from the shipping lines.
The protest will demand greater accountability and fairness in the pricing structures applied by these companies.
Several prominent industry associations are joining forces for this protest, including the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana, the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana, and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders. Together, they seek to challenge what they call unjust practices by shipping lines.
Mr. Akrong further revealed that releasing a 40-foot container now costs close to $1,000 an unsustainable figure for industry players.
“This protest directly targets the shipping lines and their mounting, often hidden, fees that we are forced to absorb at the ports," Akrong explained. "These companies keep introducing new charges, making it nearly impossible to release containers without incurring excessive costs. It’s time for this to stop.”
He added that the Ministry of Transport has been engaged on numerous occasions to address these concerns, with multiple letters from previous leaders on record. However, the stakeholders believe that now is the time for meaningful reform to ease the financial pressures faced by those working in Ghana’s ports.
Source: Citinewsroom