Ghana Shippers’ Authority Responds to GUTA, Reaffirms Commitment to Stakeholder Engagement Amid Concerns Over New Law
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has responded to concerns raised by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) regarding the recently enacted Ghana Shippers’ Authority law, which GUTA fears could negatively impact the trading community.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 23, the GSA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including GUTA, to address any concerns that could hinder the law’s intended benefits.
GSA emphasized that registration under the new law should not be mistaken for a licensing regime, as it is a long-standing requirement under Ghanaian law. The authority also addressed GUTA’s worries about the submission of shipment notices, clarifying that this too has been a legal requirement for decades and is intended to facilitate efficient operations rather than create fear among shippers.
Furthermore, GSA countered GUTA’s claim that the final draft of the law was only shared with stakeholders after parliamentary approval, describing this as a misunderstanding of the legislative process. The authority assured the public and business community that it has been in continuous engagement with stakeholders throughout the law’s development and implementation.
GSA also responded to concerns about the reintroduction of the Advance Shipment Information System (ASN), which GUTA has opposed in the past. The authority explained that ASN is designed to aid shippers in pre-arrival clearance processes, helping to avoid unnecessary costs such as demurrage.
Addressing GUTA’s suggestion that Legislative Instruments (LIs) cannot override an Act of Parliament, GSA reiterated that the new LI, which will operationalize the law, will provide clarity on provisions that may appear restrictive.
The GSA in the statement, noted that it remains open to collaboration and dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that the law serves as a catalyst for socio-economic growth in Ghana.
The authority has assured the public that the new law is an enabler of profitable commercial shipping business, not an inhibitor, and has called on all stakeholders to continue discussions as inputs are gathered for the forthcoming LI.
Read Details of GSA’s Statement:
