The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) is calling for urgent government intervention to address worsening congestion at Ghana’s ports, warning that importers could divert their cargo to neighbouring countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire if the challenges persist.

The Association says delays and uncertainties in cargo clearance are threatening Ghana’s trade competitiveness and could result in the country losing import  business to the Port of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 14, 2026, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingboit said the situation requires immediate and decisive action before it develops into a full-blown crisis.

“IEAG is already receiving indications that some importers are exploring the possibility of routing their cargo through the Port of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire because of the delays and uncertainties associated with clearing cargo through Ghana’s ports,” he stated.

He warned that once importers establish reliable alternative supply chains through other regional gateways, winning back that business could prove difficult.

Awingobit is therefore calling on the Chief of Staff at the Presidency to urgently convene and lead a high-level meeting involving the Ministers of Finance, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and Transport, together with port authorities and other relevant regulatory agencies.

He believes the intervention should produce an immediate action plan to decongest the ports and improve the efficiency of cargo clearance.

The Association has also identified excessive routing of containers for physical examination, the breakdown of coordinated inspections, regulatory fees and charges, and lengthy truck turnaround times as some of the factors contributing to the congestion.

IEAG also proposed measurable performance targets for port operations, including maximum turnaround times for examinations, valuation disputes, regulatory inspections, truck processing and cargo release.

The Association cautioned that without decisive action, Ghana could face not only worsening congestion during the December peak trading period but also the challenge of winning back importers who have moved their cargo and supply chains to competing ports.