The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) says delays at the Tema Port are threatening the supply of key food items, including rice and sugar, with potential consequences for market prices and availability.

In a press release dated December 29, FABAG said its members are facing “significant delays in the offloading and clearance of bulk and bagged goods at the Tema Port,” a situation it said is “adversely affecting the supply chain and increasing operational costs for businesses.”

The Association attributed the delays to a shortage of unskilled labour needed to offload goods from ships.

According to FABAG, these workers “have been on strike for some time following disagreements with the Tema Port management over compensation rates.”

Although port management has engaged temporary labour, FABAG said the impact has been minimal.

The association noted that the temporary workers “can currently offload only about 200 metric tonnes per day,” compared to “the usual operational level of a minimum 2000 metric tonnes a day.”

FABAG said the sharp drop in offloading capacity has led to prolonged clearance times and rising demurrage charges.

It warned that “some members of FABAG are therefore facing increased operational costs,” a situation that “could have downstream effects on prices and availability of food and beverage products, especially rice and sugar, in the market.”

The association also raised concerns about possible diversion of imports away from Ghana if the situation persists.

It warned that “some importers may be forced to divert their goods to the Lome Port in Togo.”

According to FABAG, such diversions could pose broader risks to the economy and border security.

The association cautioned that this “could encourage attempts to smuggle goods back into the country,” potentially leading to “massive losses in government revenue and undermining trade regulations.”

FABAG said urgent action is needed to prevent further disruption.

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 stressed 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.”