By Nathaniel Nartey
Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hon. Hassan Tampuli, has called on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to fully enforce its mandate to provide much-needed relief to industry players and the public. His remarks came during the debate on the report of the vetting of Ministers-Designate in Parliament on January 23, 2024.
In his response to the report on the vetting of Minister-Designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, Hon. Tampuli highlighted the crucial role of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act 2024 (Act 1122) in addressing the issue of arbitrary charges imposed on shippers, which have significant repercussions on commerce.
“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act was passed recently, in which we have insisted that shipping lines can no longer impose such charges on shippers, except what the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has approved. I believe that this will be a good platform for you (Minister Designate for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry) to speak to traders about the benefits of this new Act.
His comments were anchored in the government’s proposal to review taxes on vehicles and equipment imported for industrial and agricultural purposes, a key part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Social Contract with Ghanaians during his first 120 days in office.
Hon. Tampuli urged Minister-Designate Ofosu Agyare to leverage the provisions of the GSA Act 2024 to support the government’s proposal and help drive reforms that would benefit critical sectors of the economy. He emphasised that such measures are essential to promoting the growth and development of industry and agriculture in Ghana.
It may be recalled that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) issued a statement on 24th December 2024, cautioning commercial shipping sector players against charging shippers (importers and exporters) for delays at the port that were not their fault, particularly as many service providers took a break for the holiday season. This followed a similar advisory issued earlier in March 2024 when nationwide disruptions to internet services affected port operations.
These actions are part of the GSA’s ongoing efforts to combat arbitrary charges by shipping lines and avoid potential legal disputes on the matter. This is particularly relevant in light of the ongoing lawsuit filed by Mr. Johnny Mantey, Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Tema District, against the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and 18 other shipping lines over arbitrary charges and rising costs at the ports.
Such efforts highlight the increasing importance of the GSA Act as a key policy tool. It is not only addressing critical industry challenges but also contributing to the broader economic stability for both industry stakeholders and ordinary Ghanaians.
