The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has cautioned that ongoing delays at the Tema Port are jeopardizing the supply of essential food commodities such as rice and sugar, with possible repercussions for market prices and availability.
In a statement issued on December 29, the Association said its members are experiencing “significant delays in the offloading and clearance of bulk and bagged goods at the Tema Port,” adding that the situation is “adversely affecting the supply chain and increasing operational costs for businesses.”
FABAG attributed the bottlenecks to a shortage of casual labour required to discharge cargo from vessels. The Association explained that these workers “have been on strike for some time following disagreements with the Tema Port management over compensation rates.”
Although port authorities have recruited temporary workers, FABAG noted the measure has had little effect. It pointed out that the replacement labour “can currently offload only about 200 metric tonnes per day,” compared to “the usual operational level of a minimum 2000 metric tonnes a day.”
The Association said the drastic reduction in offloading capacity has resulted in extended clearance times and mounting demurrage charges. It warned that “some members of FABAG are therefore facing increased operational costs,” a development that “could have downstream effects on prices and availability of food and beverage products, especially rice and sugar, in the market.”
FABAG further expressed concern that prolonged disruptions could force importers to divert shipments away from Ghana. It cautioned that “some importers may be forced to divert their goods to the Lome Port in Togo.” Such diversions, the Association said, could create wider risks for the economy and border security. It warned that this “could encourage attempts to smuggle goods back into the country,” potentially leading to “massive losses in government revenue and undermining trade regulations.”
Calling for urgent intervention, FABAG appealed to stakeholders to act swiftly. It said it is “calling on the Director General of the Tema Port, the Tema Port Management, relevant authorities and labour representatives to urgently engage in dialogue to resolve this dispute.”
The Association emphasized that “a swift and sustainable resolution is necessary to restore efficient port operations, reduce unnecessary financial burdens, and ensure the smooth flow of food and beverage supplies to the Ghanaian market.”
Leave a Reply