Importers and Exporters Association Backs GSA Act, Dismisses Industry Criticism
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has voiced strong support for the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) Act 2024, countering opposition from other industry players.
According to IEAG President Sampson Asaki Awingobit, calls to halt the President’s assent to the Act are unfounded.
He asserts that the Act, in its current form, promotes accountability within the commercial shipping value chain and ensures that stakeholders act responsibly.
Mr Awingobit emphasized that the Act would create a more structured and regulated environment, safeguarding the interests of importers and exporters.
He acknowledged that while further dialogue is necessary, delaying the assent could undermine the progress made in enhancing transparency and efficiency within the shipping and logistics industry.
He further highlighted that the Act includes provisions for broad representation on the GSA Board, including members from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
Furthermore, the Act proposes the formation of ad-hoc committees to draft the legislative instrument (LI) for regulating and implementing the Act, ensuring that stakeholders remain involved in the process.
Despite the support from IEAG, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) have expressed concerns over certain sections of the Act, advocating for more dialogue before the President assents to it.
In contrast, Mr Awingobit believes that the GSA has shown willingness to engage with stakeholders and that the Act is essential for curbing exploitative practices by carriers, which have long burdened importers with excessive fees and charges.
The IEAG has therefore called on the GSA to provide clear guidelines and support to businesses to help them adapt to the new regulations, ensuring that the Act facilitates smoother operations in Ghana’s trade sector rather than becoming a barrier to trade.
