Port charges are too much for ordinary Ghanaians – UK-Based Lawyer

UK-based Ghanaian legal practitioner, Senyo Le Grand-McKenzie, has praised President John Mahama’s recent comments on port charges, describing them as bold and necessary steps toward economic relief for Ghanaian businesses.

Le Grand-McKenzie expressed optimism that the president’s remarks would translate into real policy changes that benefit the public in an interview on GHOne TV.

“The port charges, just too much for the ordinary Ghanaian businesses because it becomes a spiral that affects everybody in the economy.

“When port charges are very high, local businesses just push prices up, which is not good for the economy and the people of Ghana,” he explained, pointing out the ripple effect excessive port fees have on the cost of living.

Le Grand-McKenzie noted that high import duties and levies at Ghana’s ports have long burdened businesses and contributed to inflation.

According to him, when importers are forced to pay steep charges, they pass those costs onto consumers, creating an unending cycle of price hikes across sectors.

His comments follow a recent statement by President Mahama promising to tackle exorbitant port charges as part of a broader strategy to ease the cost of doing business in Ghana. Le Grand-McKenzie welcomed the commitment, expressing faith in the president’s ability to act decisively.

“Now that the president has actually made this bold statement, I hope it’s not just going to be a commentary being run by the President because I know the president at this time is very prepared in terms of action and I know he’s going to move this straight into action and help the people of Ghana,” he said.