The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has registered its displeasure over what they describe as an astronomical increase in port tariffs by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

According to GUTA, it finds it unfathomable for GPHA to increase port tariffs considering the current economic situation.

In a statement released by GUTA on Wednesday copied to Metrotvonline, the traders association disclosed that their businesses are struggling due to high government taxes. Moreover, GUTA indicated that it cannot understand why GPHA will increase tariffs at a time the authorities of the port admit traffic has been very low.

“The attention of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has been drawn to astronomical increases in Port Tariffs, that have been announced by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). The announcement comes as a surprise to our members, who continue to reel under the effects of the many taxes and levies that have been introduced in recent times, as well as the economic challenges plaguing the country,” parts of the GUTA statement read.

The statement added, “at this time that the port authorities themselves have been complaining about low traffic at the country’s ports due to the high cost of doing business, this decision would further influence increases in shipping line charges.”

GUTA is therefore calling on the authorities of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to as a matter of urgency suspend the announced tariffs.

The statement signed by the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng noted that, “we call on GPHA to suspend the implementation of these new tariffs, coming a year after the last increase, and engage stakeholders as the adverse impact of these increases would further compound the high cost of doing business.”