BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has announced a series of emergency operational measures to tackle severe landside congestion at the Port of Tema, following a sharp increase in import volumes and mounting logistical challenges that have slowed cargo movement at the busiest seaport.
The Authority said the congestion, which has affected the evacuation of both imported goods and empty containers, is being driven by a combination of unprecedented growth in import traffic, increased movement of empty export containers and heavy road congestion around the Tema Port enclave.
In a statement issued over the weekend, GPHA indicated that the challenges are not unique to Ghana, noting that several ports across the West African sub-region are experiencing similar congestion, leading to delays in cargo evacuation and the transfer of laden and empty containers.
According to the Authority, the surge in cargo volumes has placed enormous pressure on port infrastructure and logistics systems, making it necessary to introduce urgent interventions aimed at restoring smooth operations and protecting the country’s international trade activities.
To address the situation, GPHA said it has activated enhanced operational measures and placed all key stakeholders within the port logistics chain on heightened operational alert.
The Authority disclosed that it is working closely with shipping lines and terminal operators to accelerate the evacuation of empty containers through increased vessel calls, expanded truck deployment and strengthened container transfer operations.
In addition, GPHA said it is implementing measures to improve the management of empty containers, optimise yard utilisation and enhance traffic management within the port to maximise available terminal capacity and improve the movement of cargo.
The Authority stressed that collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential to resolving the congestion and restoring efficiency to port operations.
GPHA also appealed to importers, clearing agents and cargo owners to speed up the clearance and evacuation of their consignments to free up valuable storage space within the port.
According to the Authority, the prompt removal of cargo from the terminals is critical to creating additional operational space, improving efficiency and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of imports and exports through the Port of Tema.
“The prompt evacuation of cargo is essential to creating additional space within the port, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the continuous flow of international trade,” the statement said.
The Port of Tema remains Ghana’s largest and busiest seaport, handling the majority of the country’s international trade as well as transit cargo destined for several landlocked neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Over the years, the port has undergone major expansion projects aimed at increasing container handling capacity and strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
Despite these investments, periodic congestion continues to emerge as import volumes increase, particularly when delays occur in cargo clearance or container evacuation.
GPHA assured the trading community that it is closely monitoring developments and will continue to implement additional interventions where necessary to restore normal operating conditions as quickly as possible.
