Importers Accuse Cartels of Hijacking Port Auctions, Demand Urgent Reforms
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has raised alarm over what it describes as “mafia-style” cargo auctions at the country’s ports, accusing politically connected cartels of exploiting loopholes in the system to the detriment of legitimate businesses.
In a statement, the group linked the practice to Ghana’s foreign exchange challenges, arguing that importers struggling to access dollars quickly enough to clear goods are losing consignments to politically connected businessmen.
Under the law, goods placed on the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL) are granted a 60-day grace period before being auctioned. However, the IEAG says this window has been slashed to just 21 days without explanation, enabling buyers with political ties to acquire goods at cut-rate prices, often without proper gazetting or due process.
According to the group, while importers lose their goods and are forced to pay heavy demurrage charges, beneficiaries of the auctions typically secure entire consignments for as little as GH₵6,000 to GH₵10,000.
“This fraudulent system not only robs importers of their hard-earned capital but also denies the state valuable revenue at a time when Ghana desperately needs every pesewa,” the statement read.
The Association is demanding the restoration of the 60-day grace period, a first-time clearance option for importers facing forex delays, and a full investigation by the Customs Division and security agencies into what it describes as a “political cabal” profiting from the scheme. It also urged the Bank of Ghana to ensure that commercial banks provide forex at fair rates.
The IEAG warned that it may embark on mass action if authorities fail to address the concerns.
