Ghana Shippers Authority Bill will help streamline Shipping Operations
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has been empowered to tackle fraudulent charges and streamline shipping operations following the passage of the new Shippers Authority Bill by Parliament. This was revealed by Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Arku, the Director of Business Development and Commercial Services at GSA, during an interview on the Eye on Port program live on Accra-based Metro TV.
Mr. Arku explained that the new law equips the Authority with the power to definitively approve or reject unjustified fees imposed by service providers in the shipping industry. Additionally, the Authority now has the mandate to resolve disputes through an enhanced dispute settlement mechanism. This system allows the GSA to issue rulings after hearing all sides, ensuring that decisions are binding unless overturned by a court. This is expected to address long-standing issues of rent charges, demurrage, and other disputes that can stall business operations.
Mr. Arku acknowledged that while not all stakeholders may welcome these changes, particularly those benefiting from the previous system, the law is designed to foster fairness and protect the interests of Ghanaian shippers.
“We expect some resistance, especially from those who were benefiting under the old regime,” Mr. Arku admitted. “However, the new law is clear, and any charges that have not been approved by the Ghana Shippers Authority will be subject to severe sanctions. This is a necessary step to create a more equitable shipping environment.”
The GSA also intends to leverage its newly granted powers to address longstanding issues, such as illegitimate container cleaning fees and other unjustified charges that have plagued shippers in the past. Mr. Arku pointed out that these charges have placed an unnecessary financial burden on businesses, with shippers paying millions of dollars monthly in fees that are often not tied to actual services rendered.
By bringing transparency to shipping charges and requiring that all fees be justified through consultation and adherence to international best practices, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority hopes to make Ghana a more competitive destination for global trade.
The ultimate goal according to the Director of Business Development and Commercial Services at GSA is to make shipping more affordable and efficient, ensuring that Ghanaian businesses can reinvest their resources into growth, rather than being bogged down by unfair charges.
With the new law now awaiting presidential assent, the Ghanaian shipping industry is poised for significant transformation, promising a future where local businesses can thrive within a more transparent and well-regulated shipping environment.
Mr. Arku revealed that the Authority will embark on a sensitisation exercise which will target key industry players, such as shipping lines, port operators, and freight forwarders, to ensure a full understanding of the new provisions.
