The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) to intervene in a worsening labour dispute at the Tema Port, warning that the situation threatens national food security.
A standoff between port management and unskilled labourers, commonly known as porters, over compensation rates has resulted in a near-total slowdown in the offloading of bulk and bagged cargo, including essential commodities such as rice and sugar.
According to FABAG, the strike has forced port authorities to depend on temporary workers who lack the efficiency and experience of the regular workforce, leading to a drastic drop in productivity. While the port normally offloads a minimum of 2,000 metric tonnes of cargo per day, current output has reportedly fallen to about 200 metric tonnes — representing a 90 per cent reduction.
The sharp decline has created severe congestion at the port, with several vessels stranded at the berths. Importers are consequently incurring high demurrage charges, significantly increasing the cost of doing business.
FABAG has warned that the financial strain is becoming unsustainable and could compel importers to divert cargo to neighbouring ports, particularly the Port of Lomé in Togo.
Describing the situation as alarming, FABAG’s Executive Chairman, John Awuni, cautioned that cargo diversion would have broader implications for the Ghanaian economy.
“This situation is a recipe for disaster. Diverting cargo to neighbouring ports will not only hurt our members but also encourage smuggling through Ghana’s porous borders, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government and undermining trade regulations,” he stated.
The Association further cautioned that the ongoing disruptions would have a direct impact on consumers. Rising clearance costs for essential goods are expected to translate into higher market prices for staples such as rice and sugar, while prolonged delays could also result in supply shortages.
FABAG is therefore calling on the Director-General of the Tema Port and labour representatives to return to the negotiating table without delay, stressing that a swift and sustainable resolution is necessary to restore operational efficiency and protect consumers from artificial price hikes.
Source: 3news
