A coalition of businesses representing a critical mass of shippers and traders in the country has "collectively and unequivocally" rejected a proposed Terminal Handling Charge (THC) by some shipping lines operating to and from the seaports of Ghana.

In a statement signed by coalition comprising the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), Ghana Chamber of Mines, Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) and the Greater Accra Regional Shippers Committee (GARSC), the coalition said introduction of such a charge would be injurious to businesses and their survival.

However, the coalition said the payment of "THC as an isolated local charge to the shipping lines is completely alien to the practice of shipping in Ghana, since Terminal Operators already charge Shippers the for cargo handling services provided."

It warned the "THC will cost the already burdened Ghanaian shippers over $78 million per year and, knowing the history of these local charges, this figure will definitely increase astronomically."

The statement further craved the indulgence of the government to intervene "in this injustice against the people of Ghana [sic], since this is completely unjustifiable and will only bring undue cost to businesses."

It said the government must take a firm action on THC, including the denial of entry into the ports of Ghana to the shipping companies that insist on imposing the THC in Ghana.