Tema Freight Forwarders Chairman Seeks Default Judgment Against Shipping Lines
John Mantey, Chairman of the Tema chapter of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), has filed for a default judgment against several shipping lines after they failed to submit a defense following their conditional court appearance in late January.
The lawsuit challenges a series of charges levied by shipping lines and their agents, including container administrative fees, processing fees, evacuation fees, container washing fees, and demurrage charges applied on weekends and public holidays. Mantey argues that these fees, which he describes as arbitrary and unauthorized, have added to the cost burden on freight forwarders and businesses operating at Ghanaian ports.
The case has heightened scrutiny of port charges in Ghana, with industry stakeholders raising concerns over what they view as excessive levies imposed by shipping firms. A successful ruling in favor of the freight forwarders could set a legal precedent, potentially reshaping fee structures within the sector.
Legal analysts suggest that a default judgment could strengthen efforts to curtail unregulated shipping charges and force greater compliance with directives from regulatory bodies such as the Ghana Shippers Authority. The GIFF chairman is seeking a court order to declare the fees illegal, mandate refunds for affected businesses, and prevent shipping lines from imposing similar charges in the future.
The legal action follows a broader push by Ghanaian freight forwarders against rising port costs. In a writ filed on January 20, 2025, GIFF accused shipping agencies of disregarding official directives to halt the imposition of additional fees.
Industry observers are closely monitoring the proceedings, with a ruling on the default judgment application expected in the coming weeks. A decision favoring the freight forwarders could signal a shift in regulatory oversight and cost structures within Ghana’s shipping sector.
