The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to promptly assent to the newly-passed Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) law.
AGI believes that the law will significantly benefit players in the shipping and logistics industry and has urged the President to sign it into effect without delay.
In a press statement, AGI emphasized that the GSA Act would serve the interests of all stakeholders within the industry.
The Association highlighted that the law would greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, arbitrary clearing charges at the ports, thereby empowering the GSA to hold all industry players accountable.
“The GSA Act will significantly reduce, if not totally eliminate, arbitrary clearing charges at the ports, and will empower the GSA to act on behalf of the State to hold all players accountable,” said Mr. Humphrey Ayim Darke, President of AGI.
“It would make those who engage in unfair business practices that abuse the rights of shippers accountable for their acts, which negatively impact consumers in the long run.”
AGI also called on other trade groups to support the law, advocating for dialogue to address any concerns or issues that stakeholders might have regarding the new regulations.
“Such an approach is necessary to make Ghana an attractive and competitive trading destination and transit route for international trade, and will guarantee beneficial progress for the commercial trading sector,” the statement added.
The new GSA law aims to regulate the commercial activities of shippers, primarily addressing the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders using Ghana’s sea and air ports, as well as land borders.
Additionally, the law seeks to introduce transparency in the determination of port fees and charges, ensuring accountability in the legal movement of international trade cargo across all of Ghana’s borders.
