The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has issued a directive reminding the shipping community that shippers should not bear the costs associated with delays at Ghana’s ports caused by system failures or equipment breakdowns.

This follows reports of significant delays in the delivery and evacuation of containers at the Port of Tema, largely attributed to recurring scanner breakdowns at the MPS Terminal 3 and intermittent glitches in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

The GSA in a statement noted such costs are unjustified and should not be imposed on shippers.

“No shipper using a port in Ghana should pay for costs associated with delays not occasioned by the shipper,” the statement noted.

The Authority urged all cargo interest holders, consignees, and service providers to report any such charges to the GSA for investigation, assuring that “where it is established that delays were due to systemic failures, refunds will be issued."

Acknowledging the efforts being made to address the challenges, the GSA pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure the efficient delivery of services in the shipping sector.

The GSA also took the opportunity to wish the shipping community a productive business season and happy holidays, signaling its resolve to support industry players during this critical period.