The Ghana Shippers’ Authority says it is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in the payment of demurrage by the close of 2017.
Demurrage is a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.
In Ghana, the payment of demurrage is a major challenge for most importers due to the high taxes and duties payable on imported goods.
Delays by importers in raising funds to clear goods lead to the goods being left at the port, causing accumulation of demurrage charges.
Speaking with 3FM Business, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shipper’s Authority, Dr. Kofi Mbiah said the
Authority is intensifying education on the issue with the view to ensure importers do not incur huge demurrage charges.
“Shippers keep calling on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to intervene in the payment of demurrage and this is not good,” he said.
He added: “We are working with stakeholders to intensify education on the fact that these are avoidable charges and by the end of the year, we can reduce the payment of demurrage by at least 50 percent”.
He was optimistic the removal of some taxes by government, will ease the pressures of doing business at the ports
“We are optimistic that the removal of the n1 percent levy and other taxes will help ease the pressures and cost of doing business in the country. Shippers welcome the removal of these taxes”, Dr. Mbiah said.
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