The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nipke, has announced that government is moving to amend the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act to strengthen regulation of port charges and address recurring disputes over exchange rate applications.
The planned reforms come in response to growing concerns from the Chamber of Freight and Trade about inconsistencies in the exchange rates used by shipping lines in calculating demurrage and other port-related fees.
Shipping operators have defended their approach, explaining that exchange rate calculations are based on prevailing rates at the port of origin at the time of a vessel’s departure, consistent with international maritime practices, and not the Bank of Ghana’s published rates.
Mr. Nipke said the proposed amendments will empower the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to more effectively regulate activities at the country’s ports.
“I have been working to ensure that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act is amended to give them the full mandate to control operations at the port and regulate the work of shipping lines properly,” he said.
He explained that gaps in the existing law had limited the Authority’s ability to act decisively on disputes, but said cabinet had already approved the amendment, which will be laid before Parliament when it reconvenes.
“When that happens, the Authority will not only be able to regulate but also fix charges at the port. This will help bring down the cost of doing business and improve efficiency across the port system,” he added.
If passed, the amendment is expected to enhance clarity in port operations, reduce transaction costs for importers and exporters, and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness as a maritime trade hub.
