Freight Forwarders, Customs agents to protest over excessive cargo fees today
Key stakeholders at Ghana’s ports are set to protest today, Tuesday, September 24, at 9 a.m., against the shipping lines operating in the country. Edward Akrong, former President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), shared during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News that the demonstration aims to end the excessive and hidden charges imposed on the shipping community for cargo handling.
Akrong highlighted that the protest will include members from several industry associations, such as the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana, the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, and the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana.
He revealed that releasing a 40-foot container currently costs nearly $1,000 due to these charges, a financial strain the stakeholders are determined to eliminate.
“This protest is about the shipping lines and their exorbitant charges in our ports. It’s time to put an end to how they have treated us for years,” Akrong stated, adding that despite efforts to engage the Ministry of Transport over the years, the situation has not improved.
He further emphasized that past GIFF leaders had raised the issue, and the ongoing protest is a step towards finally resolving it.
