- Shippers’ Authority Freezes Container Charge at GH₵720 Per TEU
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has deferred the implementation of the reviewed Container Administrative Charge to July 1, 2026, following the intervention of the Minister of Transport. The reviewed charge was initially scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2026, but has now been postponed to allow for broader stakeholder consultations and strategic engagements with shipping industry players.
In a public notice, the Authority said the extension is intended to ensure that the final fee structure aligns with the interests of all parties within the shipping and trade logistics ecosystem.
“The extension provides for comprehensive stakeholder consultations and strategic stakeholder engagements, ensuring that the final fee structure aligns with the interests of all parties,” the notice stated.
Pending the final determination on July 1, the Minister of Transport has also directed an immediate regulatory cap on the Container Administrative Charge.
According to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, the charge shall not exceed GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit for both import and export containers.
“Effective immediately, this charge shall not exceed GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers,” the Authority stated.
The directive is expected to provide temporary relief and pricing certainty for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines and other port users as consultations continue on the final charge structure.
The Container Administrative Charge has been a subject of industry concern, particularly among trade and logistics stakeholders who have argued that increases in port-related charges can raise the cost of doing business and feed into broader import and export costs.
The latest intervention by the Transport Minister suggests the government is seeking to balance the regulatory and administrative needs of the shipping sector with concerns over trade competitiveness, port costs and stakeholder acceptance.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has urged all stakeholders to take note of the directive and ensure full compliance.
The final determination of the charge, now expected on July 1, 2026, will be closely watched by shipping industry operators and businesses that rely on Ghana’s ports for import and export activity.
