By Thomas Nsoway Adjei
Importers and exporters from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions have attended a seminar in Kumasi on how to avoid Container Demurrage in their business activities.
According to the Ghana Shippers Authority, importers and exporters paid over 70 million dollars in 2018 alone on Container Demurrage.
Defaulters are therefore being encouraged to familiarize themselves with the causes of their situation, so as to avoid the penalties.
Head, Freight and Logistics at the Ghana Shippers Authority, Fred Asiedu Darteh told the participants that they can avoid the demurrage by complying with all the directives and regulations governing the Shippers Trade.
Instability of the exchange regime, wrong declaration, and under invoicing, were identified as causes for incurring Container Demurrage.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Hamuda Usman said though the Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected internal and external trade, some measures are in place to cushion industry players.
A participant from the Bono region, Francis Manu Gyan outlined some of the causes of Container Demurrage and hoped the seminar will help to reduce the costs incurred and its negative impact on businesses.