The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed strong opposition to the newly enacted Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) Law.

They argue that the government failed to engage with stakeholders before the legislation was passed by Parliament.

Under the newly proposed GSA Law of 2024, importers and shipping service providers are required to register with the Ghana Shippers Authority and submit shipment notices.

The law also reinstates the advanced shipment information system, which had previously been withdrawn following resistance from the business community.

Speaking to JoyNews, the GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng criticised the passage of the act, describing it as a mere money-making venture.

He noted that when stakeholders raised concerns, they were informed that the Attorney-General had advised the inclusion of withdrawal, cancellation, and punitive measures in the act.

“They just told us and said they are going to rectify it with the Legislative Instrument (L.I). In any case, if you are going to help me to facilitate my trade, do you have to give me punishment that I will go to prison?

• Read also: AGI urges Akufo-Addo to assent to Ghana Shippers’ Authority law

“If your duty is to facilitate my trade to make my trade worthwhile, do you have to put punitive? It’s for their own interest. It’s about the internal generation of funds and all that and that they will do this and charge us fees for documents,” he said.

He dismissed the idea that stakeholders were consulted on the new GSA law, arguing that there was no discussion about registration and advance shipment.

“If we were involved, why were they avoiding us to have a look at the draft until after the act was passed before they gave it to us? There’s some kind of deception here,” Dr Obeng stressed.

The GUTA President urged President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the controversial GSA law.

Meanwhile, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), on Friday, August 23 expressed surprise at calls from industry stakeholders on President Nana Akufo-Addo to postpone signing the recently passed Ghana Shippers Authority Law.

According to TAGG, such calls were unnecessary because the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) had already begun engaging stakeholders to address concerns and ensure the new law's smooth implementation.

• Read also: Ghana Shippers Authority Law: TAGG expresses surprise at calls on President to halt assent

According to a statement issued by TAGG, the GSA has been proactive in its dialogue with various industry players since the law was passed to make Ghana an attractive and competitive trading destination.

"The GSA has consistently kept its doors open for consultations, particularly on areas of the law that have sparked concern among the business community."

"We are confident that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that will put the law into effect will take into account the business community's feedback," it added.