The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Michael Luguji, has issued a challenge to the business community regarding their assertions that Ghana is losing cargo to ports in neighboring Lome and Abidjan.
In an interview with Joy Business, Luguji urged businesses to provide concrete data supporting these claims.
Contrary to reports from some business associations alleging significant cargo losses at the Tema Port, Luguji emphasised that Ghana remains the preferred port for transit purposes in the sub-region.
He addressed these concerns during a visit by the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, to the port.
Luguji disputed the claims of cargo diversion and highlighted specific factors influencing businesses’ decisions, such as the direct rail system from Lome Port to Diamond Cement’s factory in Aflao for clinker imports.
“Our research indicates that there are no improvements in cargo movement in Lome Port but it is the import of clinker which is done by Diamond Cement into their factory at Aflao. You know they have a direct rail system from the port into their factory which makes it easier due to their location.
“If you want Diamond Cement to use Tema Port, then it means they have to transport the clinker with trucks through our roads which doesn’t make economic sense”, he explained.
“This is the situation but does not mean that Ghana has lost any business to the neighboring counterpart. We have always asked the business associations to provide relevant data to show that Business A has been importing through Ghana but as a result of the charges or high prices, they have considered using the Lome Port,” Michael Luguji stated.
He explained that utilising Tema Port for such imports would necessitate truck transportation, which is less economically viable.
The Director General stressed the need for data-backed evidence from business associations to substantiate claims of cargo shifts to neighbouring ports.
He also noted the differences in tax regimes between Ghana and its neighbours, emphasising the importance of legal compliance in import processes.
Overall, Luguji’s statements underscored Ghana’s strategic position and continued relevance as a preferred transit hub, urging stakeholders to present factual data in discussions about cargo movement and port operations.