Shippers’ Authority, EPA Move To End Bottlenecks At Ghana’s Ports
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) are moving to resolve persistent delays in the issuance of import permits for pesticides, agrochemicals, electronic waste and other regulated products.
This challenge, according to shippers, is slowing cargo clearance and raising costs at Ghana’s ports.
This follows recurring complaints from shippers and freight forwarders over lengthy processes in securing permits required for clearance, particularly for products that fall under strict environmental and public health controls.
To address the concerns, the GSA paid a working visit to the EPA on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to discuss the bottlenecks, clarify regulatory requirements and explore practical measures to make permit issuance more predictable.
During the meeting, Mr Saeed Foroco, Director of the Chemical Control and Management Centre (CCMC), and Ms Salley Biney, Director of Environmental Assessment and Management at the EPA, outlined the procedures governing permits for EPA-regulated products.
They explained that the nature of the products requires thorough assessment to safeguard public health and the environment, and that products which fail to meet health and environmental standards would not be allowed onto the Ghanaian market.
The EPA officials advised importers to submit product samples for assessment before placing bulk orders, to determine compliance in advance and avoid committing substantial resources to products that may be rejected.
The GSA, on its part, said engagements with regulatory institutions like the EPA provide critical insight that allows it to offer accurate guidance to shippers on compliance requirements and help minimise avoidable delays in cargo clearance.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of shippers and service providers to promote an efficient, predictable and transparent clearance process, noting that a clearer understanding of EPA’s documentation requirements would help reduce delays and associated costs.
Both institutions have agreed to strengthen collaboration and provide regular updates on current and revised requirements for importing EPA-regulated products.
The partnership is expected to improve compliance, enhance awareness of permit procedures and contribute to a more predictable cargo clearance environment, while upholding environmental and public health standards.
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