Government Moves to Amend Shippers’ Authority Act to Curb Port Charges Disputes
Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nipke, has announced that government will amend the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act to resolve long-standing disputes over shipping charges and exchange rate applications at the country’s ports.
The move comes after growing complaints from the Chamber of Freight and Trade over inconsistencies in the rates applied by shipping lines when calculating demurrage and other fees.
Shipping lines, represented by the Ship Owners and Agents Association, have defended their practice of using prevailing exchange rates at the port of origin at the time vessels depart for Ghana, citing adherence to international shipping standards. This often differs from the official Bank of Ghana rates, creating friction with traders.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Mr. Nipke said the amendment, already approved by Cabinet, would bolster the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s mandate to regulate port operations more effectively.
“I have been on the move to ensure that we get the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act amended, which will give them the mandate to be able to control the activities at the port and also regulate the work of the shipping lines properly,” the Minister stated.
He added that the reforms would empower the Authority to “fix charges at the port” and thereby “bring down the cost of doing business.”
The proposed changes, once passed by Parliament, are expected to enhance regulatory oversight, improve efficiency in port operations, and reduce the cost burden on importers and exporters.
