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On July 15, 2025, Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), announced plans to introduce a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) under the newly enacted Act. This instrument will legally empower the Authority to oversee and approve or reject shipping line charges, aimed at stopping arbitrary fee hikes and protecting traders and consumers.
Key Features of the L.I.
- Mandatory Charge Submission
- The GSA can demand shipping lines declare all charges—including demurrage and surcharges—for official evaluation and approval.
- Approval Authority
- Charges will be reviewed and either approved or rejected; shipping lines are prohibited from implementing fees without prior authorization .
- Pending approval, demurrage fees must be suspended, with the Authority stepping in to prevent illegal billing.
- Resistance and Enforcement
- Some shipping lines have resisted regulation, but Prof. Gyampo emphasized that non-compliance will not deter GSA from enforcing the law.
Broader Legal and Regulatory Context
- The new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act 2024, passed last year, provides the legal basis for monitoring and sanctioning unapproved port charges .
- With the L.I., the GSA transitions from an advisory role to active regulator, demonstrating stronger oversight of maritime finances .
- The initiative aligns with President Mahama’s recent directive to channel all port fees through parliament to ensure transparency.
Why This Matters
- Economic fairness: Trader organizations estimate weekly losses of GH¢30 million from unjust charges—potentially over GH¢1.5 billion annually .
- Competitive port positioning: Excessive fees are driving businesses to consider neighboring ports, threatening Ghana’s regional trade significance.
- Regulatory modernization: The L.I. signals a commitment to transparent, accountable maritime governance, empowering the GSA to shield importers and exporters from illegal costs.
Conclusion
With the Legislative Instrument underway, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority is preparing to assert its new legal mandate. By requiring shipping lines to seek approval for fees and suspending unapproved charges, the GSA is poised to protect the integrity of Ghana’s ports. If effectively enforced, this could reduce costs for businesses, strengthen Ghana’s competitive edge in West Africa, and anchor long-term trade efficiency.
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