President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has signed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) Bill 2024 into law, marking a milestone legislation intended to bolster the Ghana Shippers Authority’s regulatory role and enhance Ghana’s position as a competitive and fair commercial shipping hub.
Passed by Parliament on July 29, 2024, the Act received formal assent on October 18, 2024.
This milestone significantly strengthens the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s (GSA) power to regulate activities across all modes of transport, sea, air, and land. This expanded mandate allows the GSA to set standards, monitor operations, and ensure compliance across various transport sectors, fostering a more robust and consistent regulatory environment.
By empowering the GSA to oversee and regulate shipping operations effectively, the Act positions Ghana as a more competitive and attractive hub for commercial shipping within West Africa. This is expected to encourage investment, improve logistics efficiency, and attract international shippers, helping Ghana serve as a strategic gateway for trade in the region.
Coinciding with the GSA’s 50th anniversary, the legislation represents its evolution from the Ghana Shippers’ Council in 1974 to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in 1998 with a broader mandate. Ultimately, the GSA seeks to enhance Ghana’s appeal for international trade through this strengthened oversight of the shipping and logistics sectors, ensuring fairness, transparency in pricing, and efficiency.
The Act seeks to ensure fair practices in the shipping industry by creating a level playing field and safeguarding the interests of shippers. This includes introducing regulations that promote transparency, address unfair pricing practices, and protect local businesses from potential exploitation.
