|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has reaffirmed shipping tariffs and its commitment to fair and transparent regulation following questions regarding the effectiveness of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act 2024 (Act 1122).
In a statement issued on Monday (14 July), the GSA addressed concerns raised in a recent publication, clarifying its mandate and outlining interventions it has made, aimed at fostering a conducive shipping and logistics environment.
The passage of Act 1122 on 29 July 2024, and presidential assent to the legislation on 17 October 2024, marked a significant transformation of the GSA from an advocacy institution to a fully fledged regulatory body.
Under the new law, all shipping service providers – including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators and clearing agents – are required to submit proposed charges and tariffs to the GSA for review and approval before implementation.
The Authority said it has enforced this obligation rigorously. Earlier this year, the GSA engaged shipping lines and ground handlers at Kotoka International Airport who, in line with the law, submitted their charges for approval. In several instances, proposed fee increments were rejected after thorough commercial assessments showed insufficient justification.
Highlighting its approach, the GSA stressed that its role is not to stifle business or international trade but to ensure fair practices through an inquisitorial, rather than adversarial, model. According to the statement, thorough investigations and active stakeholder engagements guide decisions, ensuring that outcomes promote progress rather than hinder it.
Currently, the GSA is collaborating with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on a complaint concerning the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines. Following investigations, the Authority has requested a directive from the BoG to address these practices.
A high-level meeting on 15 July 2025 brought together the BoG, shipping lines, freight forwarders and other stakeholders. A conclusive resolution is expected to be announced this week.
Additionally, the GSA is working with stakeholders across the shipping and logistics sector to draft a legislative instrument to support the effective enforcement of Act 1122. This inclusive process involves regulators of all transport modes, service providers, terminal operators, and shipping lines.
The GSA reaffirmed its commitment to impartial enforcement of the law for the mutual benefit of all parties, emphasising that Ghana’s goal of becoming a preferred hub for international trade remains central to its mission.
“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority remains dedicated to serving the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, and by extension, positioning Ghana as the go-to destination for international trade,” the statement said.
The Authority urged the public and industry players to continue engaging constructively, assuring that all interventions will be carried out with integrity and in the national interest.
Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
