Agitations against Meridian Port Service (MPS) is far from over as two freight forwarding unions at the Tema Port are currently in arms against the firm for a proposed increase in port charges at its new terminal.
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders and the Concerned Freight Forwarders and Traders Association are vehemently kicking against a proposed 10.9 per cent increase in tariff for its new Terminal 3, which is expected to be operational by the of June this month.
MPS in a letter copied to Director General and the Manager in charge of Finance at the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority (GPHA) had proposed a 10.9 per cent increase tariffs for it new Terminal 3.
According to the letter dated May 24, 2019, and signed by the Chief Finance Officer at the Meridian Port Service, Suni Bansel the increase is in line with provisions of the Deed of amendment No.1 dated 12th June, 2015.
But the freight forwarders say they won’t support MPS new proposed tariffs, since its implementation at the port will impact negatively on importers.
The Vice President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Johnny Mantey indicated that the timing of the new 10.9 per cent tariff increase proposed by MPS was wrong, and its approval by the government will spell doom for the government’s effort in reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.
Oheneba Akwasi Afrawua who is the Chairman for the Concerned Freight Forwarders and Traders Association also believes that the introduction of the new proposed tariff increase by MPS, if approved by GPHA will over burden importers.
The Tema Port project was launched in 2016, following the government agreement with Meridian Port Services (MPS) over the implementation of the Tema Port Expansion Concession project.
When operational, the port will be the largest cargo port in West Africa, and one of the best in Africa, with a capacity of 3.5 million 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) per annum.