By Nathaniel Annertey Nartey
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has allayed the fears of the players in the commercial shipping sector over concerns related to sections of the newly passed Ghana Shippers’ Law.
Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) have asked for more clarification on some sections of the law which they deem detrimental to their operations.
In a statement by GUTA and GIFF, they called on President Akuffo Addo to hasten assent to the Act until their issues have been resolved.
GUTA raised concerns over the registration of shippers and shipping service providers, the submission of shipment notices, and what they deem is the re-introduction of an Advance Shipment Information System, included in the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act and passed by Parliament. According to them, these provisions were not adequately discussed with stakeholders prior to the law’s passage.
The GSA has, however, addressed these claims, stating that the registration of shippers is not a new requirement and has been part of Ghana’s legal framework for decades. The Authority also emphasized that the submission of shipment notices is a long-standing practice, enshrined in previous legislation, and should not raise any alarm among industry players.
The GSA explained that engagements with industry stakeholders, including GUTA and GIFF, began immediately after the law was passed by Parliament. The Authority affirmed its commitment to ensuring that the forthcoming Legislative Instrument (L.I.), which will operationalize the law, will consider all stakeholder inputs to avoid any potential adverse effects on the business community.
The Authority reiterated that the L.I. will provide clarity and address any ambiguities to ensure that the new law effectively supports the growth of Ghana’s commercial shipping sector.
GSA assured the public and the business community that the new law is designed to be an enabler, not an inhibitor, of profitable commercial shipping operations. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders, aiming to create a competitive and sustainable maritime industry that benefits both traders and the general populace.
