Ghana is stepping up efforts to address growing congestion at Tema Port, as rising cargo volumes put pressure on terminal capacity, cargo clearance and vessel turnaround times. The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) recently conducted a fact-finding visit to the port to assess the operational bottlenecks and identify immediate measures to keep cargo moving.
The visit was led by GSA Board Chairman Mike Allen Hammah and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Ransford Gyampo, who met with Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Meridian Port Services (MPS) and other port operators. Discussions focused on congestion, cargo clearance delays and improving vessel turnaround.
A key concern is the sharp growth in container traffic. MPS reported that cargo volumes increased from about 700,000 TEUs in 2020 to 2.7 million TEUs in 2025, with throughput currently around 2.5 million TEUs ahead of the peak season.
The accumulation of empty containers has further intensified pressure on available yard space. The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has warned that the situation is occupying valuable terminal capacity and increasing costs for businesses, while the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has called for additional container-handling infrastructure.
Stakeholders are considering measures including improved customs risk management, stricter compliance with cargo declarations, better coordination among government agencies and expansion of container-handling facilities. The measures are aimed at reducing cargo dwell times and improving the overall efficiency of the port.
The congestion comes as Tema continues to experience elevated vessel waiting times. Recent port data showed a median waiting time of about 3.13 days, highlighting the pressure on berths and terminal operations.
Industry stakeholders have also called for improvements to roads and inland connectivity around Tema, alongside digitalisation and infrastructure upgrades, to reduce logistics costs and prevent port congestion from disrupting Ghana’s wider supply chain.
With cargo volumes expected to remain high during the upcoming peak season, authorities and terminal operators are under pressure to implement short-term congestion relief measures while expanding capacity to accommodate Ghana’s longer-term growth in maritime trade.