GPHA Director General Advocates for Reduced Business Costs at Ghana’s Ports

Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Acting Director General of GPHA, has pledged to lower business costs at Ghana’s ports. This includes reviewing tariffs and abolishing certain levies that burden traders. Concerns from transit traders regarding excessive taxes have been acknowledged, and the need for improvements in port operations has been emphasized by industry stakeholders.

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has reiterated the Authority’s dedication to lowering the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports. This initiative aims to boost competitiveness and increase trade. During a visit by the Importers and Exporters Association, he highlighted recent government measures, including the elimination of specific levies that have historically burdened importers and exporters.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono also disclosed that the GPHA is actively reviewing port tariffs as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. He acknowledged the concerns raised by transit traders from Burkina Faso and other Sahelian nations, who have expressed that excessive taxes deter them from utilizing Ghana’s ports. Many traders perceive the ports in Abidjan and Lomé as more economically viable due to lower tariffs and the absence of specific charges, including the COVID-19 and disinfection taxes.

He stated, “Our colleagues engaged in transit trade have expressed dissatisfaction with some of these levies, arguing that they make Ghana’s ports less competitive. When combined with the language barrier—where Ghana operates in English while our neighbors use French—these higher tariffs discourage foreign traders from choosing our ports. However, discussions are at an advanced stage to review these taxes, and I am confident that necessary adjustments will be made soon.”

Additionally, Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, called on the GPHA to resolve further challenges such as high demurrage charges and the issue of truck overloading in the port area. He emphasized the need for enforcing standard loading limits to prevent road deterioration resulting from overloaded trucks.

Awingobit emphasized, “To attract more business from our landlocked neighbors, we must enforce standard loading limits to prevent excessive road deterioration caused by overloaded trucks. These issues must be tackled to create a sustainable and business-friendly environment.” He underlined that improving port operations and reducing costs would not only benefit local enterprises but also reinforce Ghana’s status as a premier trade hub in the region.

In conclusion, the GPHA, under the leadership of Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, is committed to reducing business costs at Ghana’s ports through the review of tariffs and the elimination of burdensome levies. Addressing concerns from transit traders and tackling issues such as high demurrage charges and truck overloading are essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports. The strategic improvements proposed aim to solidify Ghana’s position as a leading trade hub in West Africa.

Original Source: citinewsroom.com