The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations, together with other members of the Joint Business Forum, has clarified that the ongoing strike action by freight forwarders and clearing agents at Ghana’s ports remains in full force.
In a press release issued on April 14, 2026, the group dismissed reports suggesting that the industrial action had been suspended following a meeting with the CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Gyampo.
According to the statement, although leaders of the forum were invited by Professor Gyampo on behalf of the Ministries of Transport and Finance to consider suspending the strike ahead of an emergency meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, no agreement was reached to halt the action.
“The strike action which commenced on Monday, April 13, remains in full force,” the statement stressed, adding that freight forwarders and clearing agents have withdrawn their services, halted the payment of duties, and effectively suspended operations at the ports.
The group explained that while it agreed to temporarily suspend any additional planned actions out of respect for the ongoing engagement, this does not affect the current strike, which will continue until concrete resolutions are reached.
GUTA and its partners, including associations representing freight forwarders, customs brokers, and traders, cited longstanding concerns such as excessive and unpredictable duty assessments, delays in cargo clearance, high demurrage charges, and the lack of effective dispute resolution systems as reasons for the strike.
They described the situation as creating an “unsustainable business climate” for traders and industry players.
The Joint Business Forum reiterated its willingness to engage government at the scheduled emergency meeting but maintained that the withdrawal of services will persist until meaningful outcomes are achieved.
The group also urged stakeholders, traders, and the public to disregard any claims that the strike has been called off, emphasizing that port operations remain disrupted.
Source:3news.com
