The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has announced plans to introduce a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to regulate the operations and charges of shipping lines in the country.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, Prof Gyampo expressed concern over what he described as arbitrary increases in charges by some shipping lines, stressing the need for oversight to protect businesses and consumers.

“The Shippers’ Authority now has a new Act that requires all shipping lines to submit their charges to us for evaluation. We have the right to approve or reject them, and that is exactly what we’re doing,” he said.

He added, “The L.I. is in the works to enforce this and ensure we can effectively regulate these charges.”

Prof Gyampo acknowledged that some shipping lines have resisted the move, saying, “Of course, some of them don’t want to be regulated, but that will not stop us from implementing the law.”

He also noted that the port is currently congested due to the government’s decision to license excavators as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining.

In response, the Authority has directed shipping lines to suspend demurrage charges until the Shippers’ Authority grants approval.

The proposed regulation, once passed, is expected to provide a legal framework to curb excessive charges and promote fairness in Ghana’s maritime trade sector.