The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for the immediate refund of excess Container Administrative Charges (CAC) collected from importers and exporters after the High Court dismissed an injunction application seeking to halt the implementation of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) regulatory directive.
The directive, issued on May 11, 2026, caps the Container Administrative Charge at GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), a move aimed at reducing port-related costs and easing financial pressures on businesses engaged in international trade.
IEAG said shipping lines that continued charging amounts above the approved ceiling after the directive came into effect must “immediately account for and refund” the excess payments to affected shippers.
The Association argued that allowing companies to retain charges collected beyond the approved limit would undermine regulatory authority and place additional burdens on Ghanaian businesses already facing high operational costs.
The High Court ruling, according to IEAG, confirms that the GSA directive remains “valid, operational, and enforceable,” providing the regulatory backing needed for its full implementation across the shipping industry.
For years, importers and exporters have raised concerns over rising container-related charges imposed by shipping lines, with IEAG maintaining that the fees contributed to higher import costs, inflationary pressures and reduced competitiveness for Ghanaian businesses.
The Association said the GSA’s decision to introduce the GH¢720 cap followed “extensive stakeholder engagements” and regulatory reviews targeted at creating a fairer balance between service providers and users of Ghana’s maritime transport system.
IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit said the court decision should strengthen compliance within the sector and ensure that regulatory directives issued by the Shippers’ Authority are respected by all industry participants.
The Association has urged the GSA to begin strict enforcement of the directive and apply available sanctions under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), against shipping lines or agents found to have breached the regulation.
It also called on the Ministry of Transport to provide the Authority with the necessary “institutional, legal and political support” to effectively regulate the shipping industry and protect the interests of traders.
IEAG said a stronger regulatory framework in the maritime sector is critical to lowering the cost of doing business, improving transparency at Ghana’s ports and enhancing the country’s trade competitiveness.
The Association added that the ruling represents an opportunity to promote greater accountability in the logistics sector and ensure that businesses operating within Ghana’s trade ecosystem are protected from unfair commercial practices.
