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Ghana IntelBrief

July 29, 2026
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Frozen food importers demand crackdown on shipping lines over disputed port fees

Money
Policy
Growth

Key Points

  • The Executive Secretary of the Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana (EFFAG) has called for sanctions against shipping lines charging above the Ghana Shippers Authority's (GSA) approved GH¢720 container administrative fee cap.
  • This cap was established by a GSA directive, following consultations, and was upheld by a court decision, yet some shipping companies continue to defy it.
  • The higher charges are increasing the cost of doing business for importers, particularly affecting the frozen food sector, and are ultimately passed on to Ghanaian consumers.
  • EFFAG argues that the justification for these administrative charges diminished as Ghana's ports developed, and the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), strengthens the GSA's power to approve such fees.
  • EFFAG is demanding refunds with interest for affected importers, enforcement action through the courts, and government support for the GSA to ensure compliance and protect Ghana's business environment.

Why This Matters

This issue is critical for Ghana as it directly impacts the cost of living and doing business. Unjustified port charges inflate import costs, which are then transferred to consumers through higher prices for essential goods like frozen foods, contributing to inflation. Furthermore, the defiance of local regulatory directives and court rulings by international shipping lines challenges Ghana's sovereignty and regulatory framework, potentially undermining confidence in its business environment and deterring investment if not effectively addressed.

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