Ghanaians should embrace themselves with a probably hike in prices of goods at the major markets if the planned decision by shipping lines to increase tariffs and other port charges becomes successful.

This is assertion by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).

According to the association, if the shipping lines go ahead with the increase, the cost will be passed on to the consumer.

Speaking to Joy Business, Vice President of GUTA, Clement Boateng said members of GUTA operate for profit, and will therefore not hesitate to pass onto the cost.

The shipping lines and the Ghana Shippers Authority has been in tango over the 14% increment of port changes from the Ghana Port and Harbours, a situation that led to the decision by the shipping lines to introduce new tariffs.

Even though, the authority wrote to the agents of the shipping lines to halt the intended increment and introduction, some are still not convinced.

The Vice President of GUTA hinted that majority of the goods they trade in is imported and it is just normal that they pass on to the consumer.

“We are the shakers and movers of the market and I can tell you that most of the things we sell are imported, so we will just pass on the additional charges to the consumer because we are not “father Christmas” and in business to make profit.