Shippers Authority to Shield Importers and Exporters Under New Regulations

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has assured shippers of its full support to facilitate seamless export, import, and clearance of goods following its transition into a regulatory body under the Ghana Shippers Authority Act 1122, 2024.

The Authority views the new legislation as a significant advancement in promoting transparency, fairness, and cost-effective governance within Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

Under the Act, all shipping service providers – including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents – are now mandated to submit proposed fees, charges, and tariffs to the GSA for approval before implementation.

John Glover, Manager of the Middle Zone Office in Kumasi, emphasized the importance of ongoing nationwide education initiatives to ensure shippers are well-informed about the new mandate and the benefits available to them. “We are going all over the country to educate importers, exporters, and stakeholders across the value chain so they appreciate the law and the assistance GSA provides,” he noted.

Mr. Glover explained that the Authority now possesses comprehensive regulatory powers to safeguard shippers from unlawful fees and excessive charges. “With the new law, we can regulate the commercial shipping industry to ensure the right fees are charged. Any company that overcharges or flouts the regulations can be sanctioned,” he stated.

Highlighting key achievements since the implementation of Act 1122, he revealed that the GSA played a pivotal role in the recent abolition of the COVID-19 Import Levy, having submitted a policy paper to the government advocating for its removal.

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