The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has taken action against what it describes as the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines operating in the country.

The Authority, headed by Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has referred the culprits to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for redress.

The move follows complaints lodged by shippers and freight forwarders, accusing shipping lines of unilaterally applying foreign exchange rates that deviate from official benchmarks in transactions with clients.

According to the GSA, a thorough investigation confirmed the concerns raised, prompting the regulator to call for immediate intervention by the central bank.

“Currently, GSA is engaging the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on a complaint it received from some shippers and Freight Forwarders regarding the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some Shipping Lines,” the Authority revealed in a statement.

To bring resolution, the GSA requested a meeting with the BoG—as the regulator of the forex space—alongside the affected shipping lines and complainants. That meeting, held on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, is expected to culminate in a conclusive directive from the BoG this week.

“A meeting held…is expected to culminate in the issuance of a conclusive resolution of the challenge by the BoG this week,” the GSA said, adding that the resulting directive will be published for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The development is part of broader enforcement efforts under the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which transformed the GSA from a purely advocacy body into a full regulatory institution.

Passed by Parliament on 29th July 2024 and assented to on 17th October 2024, the law mandates all shipping service providers to submit their proposed charges, fees, and tariffs for GSA approval before implementation.

“In line with this mandate, the GSA has enforced this obligation without let or hindrance,” the statement said.

It cited recent cases involving shipping lines and ground handlers at Kotoka International Airport who submitted their proposed charges for review.

“Some of them were refused the increment… because their stated reasons… were not well grounded.”

The GSA emphasised that it has adopted an “inquisitorial rather than adversarial approach” in its enforcement strategy. It said all actions taken are based on thorough investigations and active engagement of stakeholders to ensure that “outcomes of interventions aid progress rather than stagnation or retrogression.”

As part of the institutional reforms, the Authority is also drafting a Legislative Instrument (LI) to give full effect to Act 1122. The process has included wide consultations with stakeholders, including regulators across air, land, and sea transport modes, terminal operators, and shipping lines.

“The collaborative approach further underscores GSA’s resolve to ensure that enforcement of the law would remain without fear or favour,” the statement stressed.

The GSA reassured the public of its commitment to protect the interests of all players in the shipping and logistics sector and to help position Ghana as the preferred hub in international trade.

“These objectives remain the guiding principles in our operations and will be upheld at all times,” the statement concluded.