Key business associations in Ghana are calling on government to reject the Terminal Handling Charges yet to be implemented by shipping companies at the ports.
The business associations argue it will be unfair to add unto their numerous tax charges as their businesses are already on the brink of collapse.
This follows moves by some shipping lines and their agents to introduce Terminal Handling Charges at the ports.
A joint press release signed by the key business associations including GUTA, PEF, FAGE, GNCC, GARSC and AGI vehemently rejected the proposed Terminal Handling Charges.
Spokesperson of the business associations, Adobea Asiamah Aboagye tells Citi Business News it will be injurious to their businesses if shipping companies go ahead to apply the charges.
“The negative impact it will have on shippers is that we already pay a lot of charges. Some shippers import on a small scale level while others import quite a number of goods. Considering that I am paying an average of 260 dollars per 40 feet container and I am bringing in ten of such sizes that amount to 2,600 dollars. It adds up to the cost of doing business. This will also end up as cost to the consumer since taxes will be added to it,” she said.
The businesses further intimated that the new charge will put an extra 78 million dollars to be borne by businesses every year.
According to the business associations, some shipping companies including Pacific International Line, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Arkas Line, CMA CGM and UASC, have already given notice of the implementation of the THC in Ghana.
The spokesperson for the business unions further emphasized that their intensified calls are backed by experiences that the shipping lines will subsequently increase their charges upon approval.
“The trend has been that over the years, when the shipping lines are introducing charges, they come in this way, relax a bit and then there is this incremental thing that goes on along the line. They will increase it and then it becomes a monster.”
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana