[ 2014-04-15 ]

Importers and exporters call for suspension of port decongestion exercise
Importers and exporters are calling for the
suspension of port decongestion exercise, at least
for non-perishable goods, until after further
deliberations among stakeholders.

The Presidential Special Operations Taskforce in
collaboration with other stakeholders is embarking
on an exercise to clear the Tema Port of
over-stayed cargo. It has therefore asked
importers and agents to clear their perishable
goods by last Friday and the non perishable ones
in two weeks time by Wednesday, April 23.
.

The Executive Secretary to the Ghana Association
of Importers and Exporters, Sampson Asaki
Awingo-bit tells JOY BUSINESS, the taskforce has
gone beyond what was mutually agreed earlier.


“What was discussed to the best of my knowledge
was only that of “reefer” containers which
include containers of imported frozen meat,
chicken products, cow legs, pig legs etc. But the
notice includes both perishable and non perishable
and we want to make it clear that government has
taken it too harsh with the Ghanaian importers for
giving them only two weeks that if they don’t
clear it will amount to confiscation and that is
not the best,” he said..

But the spokesperson of the special taskforce Dr.
Clement Apaak has denied this.

“There has been an informal interaction between
myself and the Executive Secretary of the
association but there was no agreement that the
directive was not going to include non-perishable
goods and items. And indeed what we have stated in
the directive is one that is clearly stated and
supported by the CEPS Law, 1993. So it is not new.
We are only seeking to enforce the law.

“I think there are legal ways to seek redress
even within the context of the law that allows for
the state to move in and takeover forfeited
containers - be they perishable or non-perishable
goods. So I’d advice those importers and
exporters that have genuine cases to make to look
at the portions of the law that allow them to seek
redress,” he said.

But Mr. Asaki Awingobit insists they would rather
the decongestion is deferred for at least
non-perishable goods until further deliberations
are held.

“I want to make it clear that it’s a rather
unpardonable statement Dr. Clement Apaak has made
that we can go to court. We have not gotten there
and so he should not be in a haste to say so. We
should rather say that we would go to court to
stop them from what they are going to do. But we
haven’t said that and rather saying that
government should give us the opportunity to sit
at the table to discuss the issues and give the
affected persons some ample time to clear their
goods. We know the government is a listening one
and we want to have that dialogue first and
appealing to them to hold on with the two weeks
ultimatum until the discussions are concluded,”
he noted.

Source - Joy News

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