Ghana Shippers’ Authority Blocks Arbitrary Charges by Shipping Lines, Asserts Regulatory Powers Under New Law
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has begun enforcing its expanded powers under its New Act (Act 1122), with decisive actions that have blocked unjustified fee hikes by shipping service providers.
In a statement responding to recent media inquiries about the law’s effectiveness, the GSA confirmed that it has denied proposed increases in charges from several shipping lines and ground handlers operating at Kotoka International Airport.
These rejections followed thorough reviews, which found the justifications for the proposed charges to be weak or commercially unsound.
The GSA, traditionally an advocacy body, transitioned into a full regulatory authority following the passage of the new legislation by Parliament in July 2024 and its subsequent assent by the President in October. The legislation mandates that all shipping service providers—including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents—must submit proposed tariffs, fees, and charges to the GSA for prior review and approval.
“This transformation marked a milestone in Ghana’s trade sector governance,” the Authority stated, noting that it aims to promote transparency, cost-efficiency, and inclusive oversight across the shipping and logistics value chain.
While reiterating that the GSA’s role is not to suppress business activity, the Authority emphasized its adoption of a collaborative rather than adversarial approach to enforcement. “Our process is inquisitorial, not confrontational,” the statement noted, adding that interventions are grounded in evidence and stakeholder consultations.
The GSA is currently mediating a complaint from shippers and freight forwarders concerning what it described as the “arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates” by some shipping lines. Following an internal investigation, the Authority initiated discussions with the Bank of Ghana (BoG)—as the regulator of the foreign exchange space—to address the matter.
A meeting involving the BoG, GSA, and shipping lines was held on July 15, 2025, and is expected to result in a directive from the BoG this week prohibiting the practice. “The directive will be duly published for the attention and benefit of all stakeholders,” the GSA noted.
In a further step to entrench regulatory legitimacy, the GSA said it is working with stakeholders across the air, sea, and land transport modes to draft a Legislative Instrument to operationalize Act 1122.
The Authority stressed that these moves are aligned with its broader objective of positioning Ghana as a hub for international trade and logistics in West Africa. “Our operations will always reflect the highest levels of transparency and fairness in the interest of Ghana and the shipper community,” the statement concluded.
