The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has responded to concerns over the effectiveness of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), assuring stakeholders that the law is being strictly enforced to ensure fairness, transparency, and cost efficiency in the shipping and logistics sector.
The clarification follows public discussions on the extent of the implementation of the new law, which was passed by Parliament on July 29, 2024 and assented to by the then President on October 17, 2024.
Act 1122 transformed the GSA from an advocacy body into a regulatory authority, empowering it to approve or reject charges proposed by shipping service providers, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents, before they take effect.
“The transformation reflects Ghana’s commitment to creating an inclusive, transparent, and cost-effective governance system for the shipping industry,” the GSA noted in a statement.
Since the enforcement of the Act, the Authority has reviewed and, in some cases, rejected proposed fee increments by shipping lines and ground handlers, particularly those operating at Kotoka International Airport, on the grounds that the increases were not commercially justified.
The Authority emphasised that it is adopting an “inquisitorial rather than adversarial” approach in enforcing the law, ensuring that its decisions do not stifle businesses or international trade.
GSA explained that it conducts thorough investigations into complaints before taking action, with active engagement of stakeholders to ensure fair outcomes.
One such case involves a major complaint from shippers and freight forwarders over the alleged arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines. Following its investigations, the GSA engaged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and key stakeholders to resolve the matter.
A high-level meeting held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, between the GSA, BoG, shipping lines, and other stakeholders is expected to result in a BoG directive to curb the practice.
The directive is anticipated to be made public within the week.
To strengthen the law’s enforcement, the GSA is consulting widely with regulators, service providers, and industry players to draft a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to operationalize Act 1122 effectively.
The Authority pledged to enforce the law “without fear or favour” while ensuring that its regulatory interventions benefit all parties and advance Ghana’s position as a preferred hub for international trade.
“We remain committed to serving the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector. Our ultimate objective is to position Ghana as the preferred international trade hub, and this remains the guiding principle in our operations.”
AM/MA
