IEAG Demands Emergency Meeting Over Shipping Delays, Losses At Tema Port
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Minister for Finance to urgently convene an emergency stakeholder meeting over what it describes as a growing operational crisis at the Tema Port.
In a press statement issued on October 19, 2026, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association said persistent delays by shipping lines in invoicing, payment processing and container release, coupled with disruptions at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3, are imposing huge financial losses on businesses.
According to IEAG, the delays are forcing importers and exporters to pay avoidable demurrage, rent and storage charges even when they have fulfilled all payment and documentation requirements.
“It is fundamentally unfair for businesses to bear the financial consequences of service failures they neither caused nor control,” the statement said.
The Association is demanding a high-level meeting involving the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), shipping lines, terminal operators, clearing agents and freight forwarders to establish the causes of the delays, assign responsibility and agree on immediate relief measures with enforceable timelines.
IEAG Condemns MSC Office Confrontation
IEAG also expressed concern over a reported confrontation and alleged assault at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office at Tema Port.
While condemning violence and calling for an impartial investigation, the Association warned that mounting frustration over delays and mounting charges could trigger further clashes if not addressed.
“If these concerns remain unresolved, further confrontations could result in serious injuries, destruction of property and disruption of port operations,” it warned.
Over 120 Trucks Affected At MPS Terminal 3
The Association further cited reports that more than 120 trucks scheduled to transfer containers at MPS Terminal 3 were delayed due to operational issues, a situation it says undermines terminal productivity, prolongs turnaround time and increases haulage costs.
IEAG said allegations that such delays may be contributing to the accumulation of rent and storage charges must be transparently investigated.
Enforce Service Level Agreements
The Association stressed the need to review and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) governing shipping and terminal operations.
It is calling for clear service timelines, fair treatment of additional charges, effective enforcement of SLAs, transparent performance monitoring and a functional complaints mechanism.
“Accountability in the maritime sector must be reciprocal. Shippers must fulfil their obligations, but shipping lines and terminal operators must equally be held accountable,” IEAG said.
The Association insisted that the proposed meeting must not be another routine consultation but must produce clear decisions, deadlines and a tracking mechanism, adding that “the time for urgent intervention is now.”
