Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Samson Awingobite has called on the government to give a waiver to importers in this COVID-19 era.

This follows complaints by some shippers regarding payment of huge demurrage due to the inability of shipping lines to process their clearing documents in time with the excuse of the social distancing protocol and partial lockdown.

Speaking with GBC-Obonu News in Tema, Mr Awingobite also asked the government to direct shipping lines to extend their working hours for quick clearing.

He explained that whereas major agencies including the GPHA, MPS and Customs are operating a 24-hour system despite the challenges, actions of some shipping lines are greatly affecting shippers.

He said even with their reduced number of workers, they close between 1 pm and 2 pm compelling shippers to return the following day to continue processing their clearance which sometimes ends in demurrage.