UAE shipments now take up to four months to arrive – GUTA President

Goods shipped from the United Arab Emirates now take up to four months to reach Ghana, leaving traders facing delayed deliveries and pressure to repay banks, Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) President Clement Boateng said.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, he said shipments that previously took 45 to 60 days now take three to four months.

He attributed the delays to rerouting linked to the war and developments at the Strait of Hormuz.

“Because you have to reroute as a result of what is happening at the Strait of Hormuz, it now takes quite some time, about three to four months before goods arrive here,” he said.

The longer wait means traders who borrow to finance imports must begin repaying their loans before the goods arrive. They then face the additional task of clearing the shipments.

“And assuming you've gone to take a facility from the bank, they will be on your neck because once you take a facility from them, the repayment starts the following month.”

Mr Boateng renewed his call for banks to allow borrowers more time before repayments begin. He said a moratorium would give traders breathing space while they wait for their goods.

The pressure also extends to cargo clearance. According to the GUTA President, port congestion is adding to delays as cargo volumes rise.

“Because of the huge volumes of cargo that are coming now, it has also resulted in some delays.”

His account points to two sources of strain for importers: longer shipping journeys and delays in clearing goods after arrival. For traders using bank facilities, those hold-ups come while repayment obligations are already running.

Despite these challenges, Mr Boateng said the overall business environment in 2026 had not been entirely difficult.

“If you want to talk about the generality of business in 2026, it is not all that bad.”

However, he identified shipments from the UAE as a particular concern, with extended delivery times pressuring traders who rely on borrowed funds.