Freight Forwarders have welcomed the postponement of the implementation of Advanced Shipment Information System (ASHI).

ASHI is an electronic platform by which shipment information is received before any vessel arrives in the country to reduce delays and cost of cargo clearance.

The platform was expected to have come into effect this month but the Transport Ministry has directed the Shippers Authority to defer it to April 02.

This follows persistent calls by importers and exporters for the abolishment of ASHI.

Although the Concerned Freight Forwarders have welcomed the suspension, they still want the introduction totally abolished.

 Chairman of the Concerned Freight forwarders of Ghana, Dennis Sefa said “we were calling for a total cancellation, not a postponement. But at least, the postponement will give us time to explain matters very well to the Ministry and to Government. 

“Every cost that the shipper bears is transferred unto the consumer. So we are all affected at the end of the day. We think with the time that we have been given, if the ministry gets in touch and understands what ASHI is, it will be abolished,” he continued.