FABAG says operations at Tema Port have deteriorated sharply, with cargo discharge rates falling drastically. It warns the delays are increasing costs and will push up prices for businesses and consumers

Asamoah George Opoku

Jan 5, 2026

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has strongly challenged recent assurances by the management of the Tema Port that operational challenges at the bulk and bagged cargo section have been resolved, insisting that conditions at the port have instead deteriorated sharply.

In a press release issued, the association, which represents major importers of bulk food and beverage commodities, described the port’s public statements as inconsistent with realities on the ground. FABAG maintains that its members continue to face severe operational disruptions, with information from within the port indicating that performance levels have fallen to what insiders describe as the worst in more than 23 years.

According to the association, cargo discharge rates at the bulk and bagged cargo section have collapsed dramatically. Where vessels previously discharged an average minimum of about 2,000 metric tonnes per day, current output has reportedly dropped to approximately 200 metric tonnes daily,  a decline of nearly 90 percent. FABAG argues that this sharp reduction has had devastating consequences for importers, manufacturers, and supply chains dependent on the port.

The association also dismissed claims that the introduction of a 24-hour shift system has improved productivity. Instead, it pointed to inadequate staffing levels, low worker morale, and unresolved labour grievances as key factors continuing to undermine throughput and operational efficiency.

Vessel turnaround times have also reportedly worsened significantly. FABAG says ships are experiencing prolonged berthing periods, slow cargo evacuation, and inconsistent loading and offloading schedules. These delays are driving up demurrage, storage, and logistics costs across the supply chain.