John Glover during an interaction with the media
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is strongly advising importers and exporters to take direct control of their duty and port-service payments via approved digital platforms.
This call, made by the Middle Zonal Office, emphasizes the critical need for compliance, accuracy and transparency within the Ghana’s port operations.
Addressing a media briefing in Kumasi, the Middle Zonal Manager John Glover clarified that while freight forwarders and clearing agents traditionally manage payment processes and invoice generation, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring precise payments rests with cargo owners.
“Exporters must actively engage in paying duties themselves using available digital platforms.
“This ensures they know that their customs obligations have been fully met. We want shippers to take hands-on interest in these transactions to prevent errors and discrepancies,” he said.
He further explained that direct payment by shippers significantly reduces risks often detected during post-clearance audits; a crucial compliance tool employed by Customs to identify issues like under-declaration, misclassification, and valuation irregularities. The manager stressed that accurate payments protect traders from penalties that can arise from agent errors or malpractice.
The briefing also served to highlight the GSA’s expanded authority under the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
This legislation reconstitutes the Authority as a fully empowered regulator for commercial shipping and logistics across sea, air and land corridors.
The Act now grants the GSA robust powers to standardize port pricing, prevent arbitrary charges, enhance operational transparency and foster a more competitive trading environment. Crucially, it empowers the Authority to impose statutory fines and sanctions on stakeholders who fail to comply with regulations, a capability that was absent under the previous legal framework.
Glover urged all importers, exporters and service providers to cooperate fully with the Authority to strengthen compliance and improve Ghana’s overall trade facilitation ecosystem.
The Kumasi event formed part of the GSA’s annual media sensitization programme, designed to provide journalists with an in-depth understanding of the Authority’s functions, new mandates and ongoing industry reforms.
This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and depth of media reporting on shipping and logistics matters, thereby promoting informed public discourse.
“A transparent and well-regulated port system relies not only on robust institutions but also on the active participation of industry stakeholders and accurate information from the media,” Glover concluded.
According to Glover, the GSA plans to extend these education campaigns across the Middle Zone to ensure that all shippers and logistics operators are fully aligned with Act 1122 and the evolving regulatory landscape.
#TrendingGH: Extension of IGP’s contract draws praise and criticism
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
