The Ghana Union of Trader Associations (GUTA) is strongly opposing the significant rises in port tariffs declared by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
President of the Union,Dr. Joseph Obeng, expressed in a statement that this announcement has caught its members off guard.
They have already been struggling due to the repercussions of heightened taxes and levies implemented recently.
Additionally, he emphasized that the GPHA’s recent decision is not acceptable. It is expected to lead to hikes in shipping line fees, a situation that aggravates the prevailing economic difficulties faced by the nation.
“We call on GPHA to suspend the implementation of these new tariffs, coming a year after the last increase, and engage stakeholders as the adverse impact of these increases would further compound the high cost of doing business,” the GUTA president stated.
Read the full statement below:
GHANA UNION OF TRADERS ASSOCIATION (GUTA)
PRESS RELEASE
INCREASED PORT TARIFFS NOT ACCEPTABLE
2nd August, 2023 Accra
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.
And also, at this time that the port authorities themselves have been complaining about low traffic at the country’s ports due to high cost of doing business, this decision would further influence increases in shipping line charges.
We call on GPHA to suspend the implementation of these new tariffs, coming a year after the last increase, and engage stakeholders as the adverse impact of these increases would further compound the high cost of doing business.
DR. JOSEPH OBENG
President, GUTA