Key stakeholders operating at Ghana’s ports are gearing up to stage a protest today, Tuesday, September 24, at 9 a.m. The protest is in response to the dissatisfaction with the practices of shipping lines entering the country.
Edward Akrong, Former President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), spoke exclusively to Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu and shed light on the motives behind the protest. Akrong emphasized that the primary objective of the protest is to demand an end to the hidden charges that are frequently imposed on members of the shipping community for their cargo.
The protest is expected to draw participation from various industry associations including the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana, the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana, and the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana.
Akrong highlighted the financial burden faced by stakeholders, revealing that it currently costs nearly $100,000 to have a 40-foot container released by the shipping lines. This exorbitant cost is a major point of contention that the stakeholders are determined to address and eliminate.
In Akrong’s words, “This protest has got to do with the shipping lines and their exorbitant charges in our ports. It is against the unfair treatment by the shipping lines and the imposition of unjustifiable fees on our members.”
He further added, “They [the shipping lines] take all these fees and they keep coming up with new ones. It will cost you almost $100,000 to just release a 40-footer container from a shipping line. They also have other hidden charges and this is not right.”
Akrong also highlighted the ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Transport regarding this issue. Despite previous efforts to address these concerns, the stakeholders feel that the time has come to take a stand and bring an end to these unjust practices.
The protest serves as a clear message to the shipping lines and relevant authorities that the stakeholders are united in their resolve to seek fairness and transparency in the operations at Ghana’s ports.
As the protest unfolds, it is expected to draw attention to the challenges faced by the shipping community and spark meaningful dialogue towards finding sustainable solutions.
The outcome of this protest could potentially have significant implications for the future operations and regulations governing Ghana’s ports. It is a pivotal moment that underscores the importance of addressing industry-wide concerns and working towards a more equitable and efficient maritime trade environment.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we closely monitor the unfolding events at Ghana’s ports.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Tetteh Belinda | Mydailyreports24
0 Comments