Accra, May 26, GNA - The Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi on Wednesday asked Ship Owners and Agents Association in Ghana (SOAGG) to halt the implementation of the proposed increase in administrative charges for the handling of containers and other cargo.

A statement from the Ministry issued in Accra on Wednesday said the Minister gave the directive at a meeting with SOAAG, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders and the Ghana Shippers' Council to discuss the proposed increase in administrative charges.

Some Agents had declared their intention to increase administrative charges for handling containers and other cargo by 100 per cent from June 1, 2004.

The Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi urged the parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from making public pronouncements that might jeopardize on-going negotiations to resolve the matter.

He pledged to resolve the issue within a week and stressed the need to ensure that the cost of doing business at Ghana's Ports remained competitive and less costly.

"We must ensure that a conducive environment is provided for all stakeholders to continue to do business in Ghana's Ports", he said.