NPP GERMANY
PRESS RELEASE
09—04—2025
Now That John Mahama Is President Once Again, Where Is The Action On Port Charges?
As Ghanaians, we vividly remember his passionate address to the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) where he expressed outright disbelief at the mountain of levies slapped on importers at our ports.
His detailed rundown of the charges on a single 2023 Lexus vehicle — from import duty, VAT, ECOWAS levy, COVID charge, to fees from virtually every authority imaginable — struck a chord with many.
Now that John Dramani Mahama has returned to power, the time for shock and sympathy is over — the time for action is now.
Back then, Mahama asked the questions we were all asking: Why so many charges?
How can importers survive under such a burden? He called it shocking, and frankly, he was right. But now, Mr. President, we must ask you:
What has taken you so long to deliver on the very issue you so passionately highlighted?
You recognized the problem — publicly and with great detail.
You showed that you understood how these excessive charges cripple traders, inflate the cost of goods, and affect the average Ghanaian.
So why, months into your presidency, are these burdens still weighing down our ports?
Is it bureaucracy? Is it a matter of political will? Or is the issue more complex than it appeared when you were on the campaign trail?
Ghanaians are not looking for excuses — they are looking for relief. Importers are still battling the same avalanche of fees.
Consumers are still paying the price through inflated costs of goods. And businesses are still struggling to stay afloat under a system you yourself admitted was exploitative.
It’s time to match words with action. The moral outrage you expressed must now translate into policy changes.
Mr. President, you once expressed, “Oh! I am shocked.”
Today, the people are tempted to ask: Why are we still shocked and not relieved?
To NPP Germany, President John Mahama’s administration assumed office with a clear mandate to alleviate the financial burdens faced by importers due to exorbitant port charges.
These sweet promises resonated with the business community, offering hope for a more streamlined and cost-effective import process
However, as we move further into his tenure, the anticipated reforms remain conspicuously absent.
Importers continue to grapple with the same high fees and cumbersome procedures that have long plagued Ghana’s ports.
This inaction not only undermines the confidence of the business community but also stifles economic growth by perpetuating an environment of inefficiency and inflated operational costs.
The delay in implementing these critical reforms is particularly troubling given the administration’s awareness of the issue.
Mahama himself expressed astonishment at the excessive levies and taxes imposed on imports, acknowledging the heavy financial burden placed on traders.
Yet, despite this recognition, substantive measures to address these challenges have not materialized.
Furthermore, the government’s commitment to rationalize port fees and charges, as outlined in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, appears to be languishing without actionable progress.
This stagnation not only hampers the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports but also erodes trust in the administration’s ability to fulfill its commitments.
It is imperative that the Mahama administration moves beyond rhetoric and expedites the implementation of the promised port reforms.
The business community and the Ghanaian populace at large deserve tangible actions that alleviate the financial strains of high import charges.
Delays in addressing these issues not only hinder economic progress but also diminish the credibility of the government’s pledges.
We need timelines. We need transparency. And above all, we need real reforms at the ports. This was your promise — now it’s your responsibility.
In conclusion, the time for decisive action is now. President Mahama must honor his commitments by swiftly enacting the necessary reforms to reduce port charges and enhance operational efficiency.
Only through such concrete steps can the administration restore confidence among importers and foster a more robust and dynamic economy.
Ghanaians deserve better than empty rhetoric. They deserve leadership that delivers results, and that leadership can only come from the NPP.
We Say KUDOS to Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia government!!!
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!
Long Live Ghana, long live the Elephant Party!!!!
Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!
Signed:
Nana Osei Boateng
NPP GERMANY
Communications Director
