Tema Port Complete Guide 2026 — What Turkish Exporters Must Know
Table of Contents
Türkçe Özet / Turkish Summary
Gana'nın %80 ithalatını işleyen Tema Limanı'nda demurrage ücretleri, gümrük müşaviri seçimi, belge gereklilikleri ve tipik tahliye süreleri — kapsamlı operasyonel rehber.
Why Tema Port Is Non-Negotiable
Tema Port processes approximately 80% of Ghana's maritime imports. For Turkish exporters, this means virtually every shipment to Ghana passes through here. Managing it correctly is a prerequisite to success in the Ghanaian market.
Typical Clearance Timeline
5–10
Business Days
Well-Prepared Shipment
20–30
Days+
Documentation Issues
$180–$250
Per day
Demurrage Daily Cost
The 5 Most Common Mistakes and Their Costs
Unlicensed clearing agent
10–30 day delay · container may be detained
Wrong HS code
Additional duty assessment + 5–20 days
Missing PVOC certificate
Return risk · full hold
Invoice value discrepancy
GRA audit + additional inspection
Late document submission
$180–$250 demurrage per day accruing
Pre-Port Checklist
- GRA-licensed clearing agent confirmed and briefed
- HS code verified against GRA database
- PVOC inspection completed (if product category requires)
- Commercial invoice in English, CIF value explicit
- Packing list matches invoice line by line
- Certificate of Origin TOBB or Exporters' Association certified
- Buyer in Accra notified with ETA and document copies
Let us manage your customs process.
We work with GRA-approved clearing agents. Let's talk about our pre-arrival check, HS code verification, and port coordination.
WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a reliable clearing agent at Tema Port?
Verify their GRA license is current and check it directly with the GRA. Confirm at least 3 years of active Tema Port operations. Request references from previous clients. Always get a written fee quote before engaging.
What is demurrage and how much does it cost?
Demurrage is the daily fee charged when your container remains at port beyond the free storage period (typically 3–5 days). At Tema Port, demurrage runs $180–$250 per container per day. A 30-day delay equals $5,400–$7,500 in avoidable costs.
What documents does Tema Port customs require?
Tema Port requires: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice with clear FOB/CIF values, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, PVOC Certificate, and category-specific certificates (FDA Ghana approval for food, Ghana Standards Authority compliance for construction materials).
Can I clear a shipment at Tema Port without a local agent?
No. All import clearance at Tema Port must be handled by a GRA-licensed clearing agent physically present in Ghana. This is a legal requirement. Attempting to clear without a licensed local agent results in the shipment being detained.
Abduljalal Lawal
Founder & CEO — Anadolu Gateway
Ghanaian and Nigerian citizen. Spent 10 years based in Turkey — Turkish mother-tongue level, French professional fluency. Acts as a cultural and commercial bridge between Turkish manufacturers and Ghanaian importers, with reach across the full ECOWAS corridor. Permanently based in Accra, directly involved in every client engagement.
Read the founder story →