The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to urgently resolve delays in the issuance of import codes and permits for regulated consignments at the country’s ports.
In a press statement issued on Monday, September 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association said it has received complaints from members that some consignments have remained uncleared because the required FDA process has not been completed.
According to the IEAG, affected importers say they are unable to progress through the clearance chain, making it difficult to complete customs procedures and take delivery of their cargo.
The Association described the development as a matter requiring urgent attention, particularly at a time when importers are already facing severe operational and cost pressures at Ghana’s ports.
The IEAG said it fully recognises and supports the FDA’s statutory mandate to protect public health by regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals, medical devices and other products entering the country.
It noted that the FDA’s own published procedures indicate that its Centre for Import and Export Control (CIEC) operates at the Tema Port and that permit control is integrated into the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
Under that system, the FDA states that verification and final release of regulated consignments can only take place when the relevant permit has been approved.
The Association said it does not question the necessity of regulatory controls, but is concerned that when a regulatory process is delayed beyond the expected operational timeline, the consequences are borne disproportionately by the importer and ultimately passed through the supply chain.
“A port clearance process is interconnected. A delay at one point can hold up several subsequent processes,” the statement said.
The IEAG explained that where an importer cannot obtain the necessary FDA approval or code, the clearing agent may be unable to complete the relevant declaration, which in turn delays duty payment, customs release, terminal release and the physical evacuation of the container.
It warned of the serious financial implications of prolonged cargo dwell time.
When a container remains uncleared after the applicable free period, the importer may begin to incur terminal storage charges, shipping-line demurrage, container detention charges, additional handling, examination and documentation fees, increased financing costs, and additional trucking and logistics costs.
“Consequently, when cargo remains in the port because one component of the clearance chain is unable to progress, the additional cost can accumulate across the entire logistics chain,” the Association stated.
The IEAG expressed particular concern about the wider economic implications, warning that importers cannot indefinitely absorb additional costs without eventually passing them on to consumers.
“This creates a potential chain reaction. At a time when businesses and consumers are already sensitive to the cost of goods and services, avoidable delays within the port clearance ecosystem must be addressed promptly,” it said.
The Association therefore called on the FDA to urgently investigate the reported delays and restore normal processing for compliant applications.
Specifically, it is demanding immediate identification of the cause of the delays and prompt resolution of any technical, operational or administrative challenges, as well as expedited processing of pending applications involving consignments already landed and accruing charges.
It also wants the FDA and relevant technical agencies to immediately engage to resolve any system-related or ICUMS integration issues, provide clear communication to importers and clearing agents on the nature of the challenge and expected timeline for resolution, and consider appropriate relief for importers who have incurred avoidable costs due to regulatory or system failures.
“Ghana’s ports are not merely revenue collection points. They are critical gateways for trade, industry, manufacturing, distribution and national economic activity. Every additional day that a legitimate consignment remains unnecessarily uncleared has a cost implication,” the IEAG stressed.
The Association reiterated that while it appreciates the regulatory role of the FDA and other state agencies at the ports, regulation and trade facilitation must work together.
“Effective regulation should protect the Ghanaian consumer while an efficient clearance system protects the importer, trader, manufacturer and ultimately the consumer from unnecessary cost escalation,” it said.
The IEAG said it remains committed to engaging the FDA, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, shipping lines, terminal operators and other stakeholders to find practical solutions, but urged the FDA to “sit up to the urgency of the situation” and ensure compliant importers are not left to bear escalating costs.
