The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has dismissed assurances from Tema Port management that issues in the bulk and bagged cargo section are resolved, asserting that conditions have deteriorated sharply.
In a January 5, 2026 statement, FABAG highlighted ongoing severe disruptions for its members, contradicting claims of stabilized operations.
The association described the bulk and bagged section’s performance as the worst in over 23 years, posing a grave risk to manufacturing and food supply chains.
Labor productivity has plummeted, with vessels now unloading just 200 metric tones per day on average—down from a prior minimum of 2,000 metric tones. This marks nearly a 90% decline, hitting importers, manufacturers, and consumers hard.
FABAG noted that a new 24-hour shift system has brought no relief, blaming shortages in staffing, sagging worker morale, and lingering labor disputes.
Vessel turnaround times have worsened, too, with extended berthing delays, sluggish cargo clearance, and erratic offloading. Three ships currently at berth face steep demurrage fees, costs that will trickle down to businesses and buyers.
The group slammed the disconnect between official statements and on-ground realities, arguing it erodes trust in port management.
Tema Port’s woes threaten inflation control, food security, and Ghanaian industry competitiveness, given its pivotal supply chain role.
FABAG urged prompt, open talks involving the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), management, unions, and stakeholders. It also pushed for independent audits of data like turnaround times and discharge rates.
While open to dialogue, FABAG demanded swift fixes to avert further damage to businesses and consumers from bulk and bagged section delays.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson