Some trade associations in the country have expressed confidence that the newly passed Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) law will help address recurrent challenges of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana's sea and air ports, expressed by shippers over the years.

The trade associations, which include the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) made this known in a meeting held at the Ghana Shippers’ House on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The primary aim of the meeting was to discuss the operationalization of the law and strengthen its implementation.

The groups were optimistic that the new law will positively impact the cost of doing business in Ghana as the law is expected to empower the GSA to protect the interest of shippers and shipping service providers, and improve its regulatory oversight of the entire industry.

The new law is expected to also enhance transparency, and accountability, and invariably drive improved revenue generation and collection for national socio-economic growth.

The President of the AGI Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke said the law will help to boost trade activities at the ports as well as help increase revenue for the state.

“The role of the GSA is well defined. It gives us comfort that the GSA will play a role like a referee. We are very happy about it because industry can now rely on the law for fair trade”, he said.

On his part the President of the GUTA, Dr Joseph Obeng is hopeful operationalisation of the new law will positively impact the cost of doing business in Ghana.

“Cost of doing business at the ports are too high. However now we are happy that this law will alleviate the struggles of importers and help resolve issues at the ports. We hope the Legislative Instrument will come on time and solve the challenges”, he said.

Background

Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) was established 50 years ago by NRCD 254 (1974) to regulate the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers in the shipment, storage, and delivery of international trade cargo by sea, air, and land. Over the last five (5) decades, GSA has driven compliance with established standards and guidelines in the commercial shipping sector in Ghana, and through Ghana to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.

Since 1974, GSA has spearheaded the development, monitoring, and facilitation of transit trade through Ghana’s corridors. The law as passed will enable a more effective regulation of transit trade, and thereby balance the interests of shippers and service providers for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness in international trade.