Importers propose rail-linked depots to tackle port congestion

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has proposed the establishment of dedicated holding depots for empty shipping containers along the country’s railway network as part of efforts to ease port congestion and reduce the cost of doing business.

The Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, says limited space for receiving empty containers is contributing to congestion around the ports and exposing importers and truck operators to additional charges.

He is proposing that suitable locations along the railway network be converted into holding facilities where empty containers can be stored and retrieved when required by shipping lines.

Mr Awingobit made the proposal during a courtesy call by the Association’s leadership on the Ghana Railway Development Authority.

He said the proposed facilities would provide additional storage capacity, improve container management and free up space at the ports.

“That is the way to go. You can always send the empty containers there and bring them when the vessel is ready,” he said.

Mr Awingobit also highlighted the financial burden on importers when empty containers cannot be returned promptly after goods have been discharged.

He explained that some trucks remain parked at shipping lines’ empty container terminals for days because of limited space to receive returned containers.

The delays result in additional truck retention charges, increasing the cost of transporting goods and placing further pressure on importers.

According to him, these expenses add to the operational costs of businesses and are eventually passed on to consumers through higher prices.

“Those monies to MPS and the shipping lines leave the shores of Ghana,” he said, arguing that the additional charges undermine efforts to reduce the cost of doing business.

He believes the proposed holding depots could address some of these bottlenecks by providing alternative locations for receiving and storing empty containers, thereby reducing delays in the return process.

Beyond container management, the Association is calling for stronger collaboration among the railway authority, port operators, shipping lines and other industry stakeholders to improve cargo movement and logistics efficiency.

It is also advocating greater use of rail transport to move cargo from the ports to inland destinations.

The Association argues that shifting more freight from road to rail could reduce dependence on trucks, ease pressure on the road network and improve the movement of goods across the country.

Mr Awingobit assured the Ghana Railway Development Authority of the Association’s support for initiatives aimed at improving freight transportation.

He, however, stressed that the Association would hold relevant institutions accountable for delivering on their commitments.