The government is taking steps to address congestion at the Tema Port and reduce delays in the clearance of clinker, a key raw material used by cement manufacturers in Ghana.
The Ministers of Transport and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry are expected to visit the Tema Port in the coming days to explore options for creating additional berths for vessels transporting clinker.
The move is aimed at improving cargo clearance at Tema Port, reducing shipping delays and preventing cement manufacturers from incurring high demurrage charges when their vessels remain at the port for extended periods.
Clinker Delays Contributing to Higher Cement Prices
The congestion at the port has reportedly affected the timely clearance of clinker imports, resulting in additional costs for cement manufacturers.
Demurrage charges and other port-related expenses have been cited among the factors contributing to the recent GH¢12 increase in the price of a bag of cement in Ghana.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the Tema Port is currently under significant pressure due to limited operational space and rising cargo volumes.
He explained that cement manufacturers currently have two berths allocated to them but are seeking additional berthing space to enable clinker shipments to be processed and cleared more quickly.
The Minister said the government is therefore considering how some areas within the port could be allocated to support the clearance of cement raw materials and reduce additional costs faced by importers.
Government Plans Emergency Acquisition of Two Cranes
As part of measures to tackle Tema Port congestion, Mr. Nikpe disclosed that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has been instructed to acquire two additional cranes.
The new equipment is expected to improve the speed of loading and unloading cargo and reduce delays affecting ships and shipping lines operating through the port.
According to the Transport Minister, the planned emergency procurement of the two cranes will complement the equipment already available at the port.
The government expects the additional cranes to increase cargo-handling capacity and help prevent vessels from experiencing prolonged delays that could result in demurrage payments.
Measures to Improve Cargo Clearance in Ghana
The planned expansion of berthing capacity and acquisition of additional port equipment form part of broader efforts to improve cargo clearance in Ghana.
The government hopes that easing congestion at the Tema Port will reduce operational costs for importers, improve the movement of goods and support businesses that rely heavily on imported raw materials.
For cement manufacturers, faster clearance of clinker imports could help reduce port-related expenses and potentially ease some of the cost pressures affecting cement prices in Ghana.
Authorities are expected to continue engaging stakeholders at the Tema Port as they work towards finding a sustainable solution to the growing pressure on port infrastructure and cargo-handling facilities.
Source: newsthemegh.com