The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has warned that persistent delays at the Tema Port are endangering the steady supply of essential food commodities, notably rice and sugar, with possible implications for prices and market 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,” a challenge it noted is disrupting supply chains and driving up operational costs.
FABAG attributed the situation to a shortage of unskilled labour required for offloading cargo from vessels. According to the association, these workers have been on strike for some time due to unresolved disputes with Tema Port management over compensation.
Although port authorities have deployed temporary workers to mitigate the impact, FABAG said the measure has yielded limited results. It explained that the temporary workforce is able to offload only about 200 metric tonnes daily, far below the normal minimum capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes per day.
The association said the reduced offloading capacity has resulted in extended clearance periods and escalating demurrage charges, placing additional financial strain on businesses. It warned that the rising costs could eventually be passed on to consumers, affecting the prices and availability of food and beverage products, particularly rice and sugar.
FABAG also expressed concern that prolonged delays could force importers to divert shipments to the Port of Lomé in Togo. Such a development, it said, could have wider economic implications.
According to the association, diversion of goods could increase the risk of smuggling back into Ghana, potentially leading to significant losses in government revenue and weakening enforcement of trade regulations.
FABAG called for immediate intervention to address the situation, urging the Director General of the Tema Port, port management, relevant authorities and labour representatives to engage in urgent dialogue to resolve the dispute.
It emphasized that a prompt and lasting solution is critical to restoring efficient port operations, easing financial pressures on businesses, and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of food and beverages to the Ghanaian market.
