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Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority Fees and Fines
The Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority (GPHA) has published an updated, comprehensive list of operating fees, tolls, and fines applicable to all stakeholders at the ports of Tema and Takoradi.
Vessel Owners, Charterers, and Agents are strongly advised to review the extensive list of “Fines for Offences” detailed on pages 8-15 of the GPHA document. Compliance is mandatory, and fines range from minor infractions to serious penalties for regulatory breaches.
1. Fines for Minor Personnel/Crew Offences (Examples)
These offences generally relate to port safety and public order.
- Smoking in the port (banned outdoors nationwide): GHC 265, approximately USD 24.00
- Swimming in the port: GHC 265, approximatedly USD 24.00
- Indecent exposure: GHC 265, approximately USD 24.00
- Drunkenness: GHC 6,600, approximately USD 600.00
- Stowing away (or attempting to do so): GHC 6,600.00, approximately USD 600.00
2. Major Vessel and Administrative Offences (Examples)
These carry the most severe financial consequences for the vessel and its operators:
- Disembarking non-Ghanaian stowaways: USD 5,000.00 per person
- Pollution: Includes dust, noxious gases, discharges, or spillages in the port or at anchorage.
- Failure to submit required and accurate documents (e.g., cargo manifests) in a timely manner.
- Failure to adhere to port operating procedures and regulations.
- Failure to obtain GPHA authorization for STS offshore bunkering operations.
- Failure to respect navigational regulations.
3. Cumulative Fines
It should be noted that in some cases, GPHA fines are not always the only penalty imposed. Serious offences are subject to additional, separate fines from other governmental authorities, resulting in significantly higher total costs for the vessel.
For example:
| Offence | GPHA Fine | Additional Authority Penalty | Total Exposure |
| Disembarking non-Ghanaian stowaways | USD 5,000.00 per person | Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) may impose an additional USD 5,000.00 per stowaway. | Up to USD 10,000.00 per person |
| Pollution and Environmental Breaches | (Varies, subject to GPHA) | Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) may impose heavy fines for MARPOL infringements. | Substantial |
| STS Infringements | (Varies, subject to GPHA) | Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) may impose heavy fines for Ship-to-Ship operation breaches. | Substantial |
As experienced local P&I Correspondants, Budd Ghana is by your side to defend and assists vessels calling in Tema and Takoradi.
Useful Links:
- GPHA Schedule of Business Operating Permit Fees, Tolls, and Fines:
https://www.budd-pni.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ghana-Ports-Harbours-Authority-Schedule-of-Fees-Tools-Fines.pdf - GMA Oil Transfer Fines:
https://www.budd-pni.com/hefty-fines-for-violations-of-ghana-marpol/ - GMA MARPOL Fines:
https://www.budd-pni.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Ghana-MARPOL-Fines-020920.pdf
Information provided by Budd Ghana (budd.ghana@budd-pni.com)