Importers and freight forwarders at the Tema port are asking the Ghana Shippers Authority to ensure that shipping lines do not charge them for extra demurrages, rent, and storage due to delays caused by the general internet disruption in the country.
The general disruption in internet services across the country since last week has negatively affected the clearance of cargo at Ghana's largest seaport, leading to demurrages.
Co-chairperson of the Technical Committee of the Tema District of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Paulina Abrokwah, explained the level of impact on the cost of doing business at the port.
"We're hoping that with the situation at least some of the service providers like the shipping lines and terminals will be considerate and waive the extra cost related to any delay that will occur.
"We are hoping that the Ghana Shippers Authority will take the lead in this and ensure that traders or importers don't have to suffer to pay demorages as a result of this general internet outage," she explained.
She told JoyNews that they expect the Ghana Shippers Authority to intervene to ensure shipping lines do not take advantage to charge them extra for the delays caused by the internet disruption.
"One area that area that was really bad was the banks. They were unable to pay duty, at least, as of Friday. Once you're not able to pay, you cannot continue with the rest of the processes," she said.
The National Communication Authority (NCA) estimates it may take a minimum of five weeks for the faulty undersea cables to be restored to bring back stable connections in the affected countries
On the back, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Azaki Awingobit, said the Economic Management Team (EMT) must immediately come up with a Plan B to ensure importers do not suffer.
Latest Stories
-
All payments received from our contract with GRA are performance-based, says SML
3 mins -
Marrakech 2024: Ghana’s para-athlete Zinabu Issah wins Gold
4 mins -
Our contract with GRA followed due process; ignore contrary reports – SML
5 mins -
SML is just Agyapa in suit and tie – Bright Simons
41 mins -
Domelevo condemns selection of KPMG to audit GRA/SML contract as illegal and unprofessional
53 mins -
SML/GRA contract: OSP should have released its report by now – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
KPMG report exonerates us – SML
2 hours -
Works and Housing Ministry seeks lasting solutions to challenges with stakeholders engagement
2 hours -
President’s statement on GRA-SML contract underlines Fourth Estate’s revelation – MFWA
2 hours -
Our services are one of a kind, not done by NPA – SML insists
2 hours -
We operate legally and collaborate with world-class partners – SML
2 hours -
Director urges parents to protect children from abuse
3 hours -
Imani-Ghana criticises Akufo-Addo for not lauding Fourth Estate’s contribution to social development
3 hours -
Man remanded for allegedly stabbing businessman with broken bottle and screwdriver
3 hours -
Population in Kumasi Central Prison surges to 1800, threefold exceeding capacity
3 hours