Importers Demand Downward Review of New Port Tariffs

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has impressed on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to reduce the proposed 20 percent increase on import charge to 15 percent.

The Association says although the 20 percent tariff increment may be justifiable, a further reduction will ease their cost of operations.

The GPHA on Friday, December 15th 2017, met the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana over plans to review port tariffs on imports from 2018.

Citi Business News understands the meeting was to seek final inputs and subsequent implementation of the proposed tariffs.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaaki Awingobit said a reduced rate will be appreciated.

“We want to propose that if the GPHA could do something by reducing the 20 percent import charges to 15 percent, it will benefit us greatly. Our discussion with them was largely targeted at they doing something on the issue. We have proposed that they try and bring it down to 15 percent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Awingobit says the association is allowing the GPHA some space to address their concerns.

“Having met with us and we having put our concerns before them, it is just nice that we give them an opportunity to go back and report our concerns” he stated.

According to GPHA officials, the change has become necessary as it has been almost four years since the GPHA last reviewed its tariffs.

In line with this, the GPHA earlier engaged the Ship Owners and Agents Association as well as the Ghana Shippers Authority.

It is also expected to meet freight forwarders as well as GUTA for final inputs and subsequent implementation.