The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) says persistent delays in clearing bulk and bagged goods at the Tema Port could force importers to divert cargo to neighbouring Lomé, increasing the risk of smuggling and revenue losses.

In a statement issued on December 29, FABAG said the situation is already disrupting supply chains and driving up costs for businesses across the food and beverage sector.

“The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) urgently wishes to draw the attention of the Director General and Management of the Tema port, the Minister of Transport and the general public to the growing concern among its members regarding significant delays in the offloading and clearance of bulk and bagged goods at the Tema Port,” the Association said.

FABAG attributed the delays to a shortage of unskilled labour needed to offload goods from vessels. According to the association, these workers have been on strike for some time following disagreements with Tema Port management over compensation rates.

The port’s response, FABAG said, has not been sufficient.

“In response, the port management has engaged temporary unskilled labour,” the statement said, adding that these workers can offload “only about 200 metric tonnes per day, far below the usual operational level of a minimum 2000 metric tonnes a day.”

The reduced output has led to prolonged vessel stays and rising demurrage charges, placing added pressure on importers.

“This reduced offloading rate has caused prolonged delays in clearing goods, resulting in high demurrage charges for importers,” FABAG said.

The association warned that the cost burden could spill into the broader economy, especially the food market.

“Some members of FABAG are therefore facing increased operational costs, which could have downstream effects on prices and availability of food and beverage products, especially rice and sugar, in the market,” the statement said.

FABAG expressed concern that unresolved delays could push importers to seek alternatives outside Ghana.

“The Food and Beverages Association is particularly concerned that if this situation is not quickly and effectively resolved, some importers may be forced to divert their goods to the Lome Port in Togo,” it said.

Such a move, FABAG warned, could weaken border controls and encourage illegal activity.

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

FABAG is calling for urgent engagement among all parties to end the standoff.

“We are 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 statement said.

The association stressed that a quick resolution is critical to restoring port efficiency and protecting food supply chains.

“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,” it added.