The Ghana Shippers Authority Act (GSA) has become a highly debated law within Ghana’s business community, with various associations expressing both support and opposition.
The law, which has been passed by Parliament but is yet to be signed by the President to become operational, has sparked a series of statements from business groups for or against its implementation.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is the latest to join the conversation, urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to swiftly assent to the law. AGI believes that the new legislation is vital for the shipping and logistics sector and that prompt presidential approval is necessary to bring about the desired reforms.
In a statement, AGI also called on other trade bodies to support the new law. “The GSA Act will significantly curb, if not completely eliminate, arbitrary clearing charges at the ports. It will empower the GSA to act on behalf of the State, ensuring accountability from all stakeholders,” said Mr. Humphrey Ayim Darke, President of AGI. “It will also hold those involved in unfair practices that harm shippers accountable, ultimately benefiting consumers”, he added.
AGI’s stance aligns with that of other trade groups such as the Trader Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), which also supports the law. TAGG is calling for President Akufo-Addo to sign the law quickly, believing it will enhance Ghana’s trade environment. TAGG said the GSA consulted extensively with businesses to ensure the law’s provisions would benefit all parties involved.
However, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) opposes the law. GUTA argues that the law introduces new licensing rules and requires shipment notifications that were not adequately discussed with stakeholders. They are requesting that the President delay signing the law until their concerns are fully addressed.
Despite the GSA’s clarification that these rules are not new and that further details will be provided in a Legislative Instrument (L.I.), GUTA remains firm in its stance that the law should not be enacted until all issues are resolved.
The new GSA law is designed to regulate the commercial activities of shippers and tackle the problem of excessive charges at Ghana’s sea and air ports, as well as land borders. It also aims to improve transparency in the setting of port fees and charges, ensuring greater accountability in the movement of international trade cargo across the country’s borders.
Responding to GUTA’s concerns about the use of L.I.s to amend the Act, the GSA emphasized that their assurances have been misunderstood. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the L.I. will clarify any ambiguities and will continue to support Ghana’s commercial shipping interests.
