The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has responded to an article inquiring about the effectiveness of the GSA Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which was passed by Parliament on July 29, 2024 and assented to by the then President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on October 17, 2024.
In their response, the GSA acknowledged the concerns raised in the publication and seized the opportunity to rectify factual inaccuracies, providing clarity on the GSA’s mandate and ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive shipping and logistics ecosystem for all stakeholders in the sector.
The transformation of the GSA from a purely advocacy institution to a regulatory authority through the passage of Act 1122 (2024), signifies a monumental advancement in the development of Ghana’s trade sector.
This shift reflects a broader national commitment to promote inclusive, transparent, and cost-effective governance within the sector.
Under the new legislation, shipping service providers, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents, are mandated to submit all proposed charges, fees, and tariffs to the GSA for review and approval prior to their implementation.
In line with this mandate, the GSA has diligently enforced this obligation. Earlier this year, for instance, the GSA engaged with shipping lines and ground handlers operating at Kotoka International Airport, who complied with the law by submitting their charges for review and approval.
“Taking each case on its merit, some of them were refused the increment in the fees and charges they proposed because their stated reasons for doing so were not well grounded commercially,” the GSA stated.
“Being mindful that its role as a regulator is not aimed at stifling businesses or international trade, the GSA has adopted an inquisitorial rather than an adversarial approach to enforcing its Act.
“Thorough investigations into complaints, claims, and assertions have informed the decisions and actions taken in response to shipper grievances.
“Active engagement with stakeholders has been employed to ensure that every party is granted a hearing, thereby fostering outcomes that facilitate progress rather than stagnation or regression,” it stated.
Currently, the GSA is engaging with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) regarding complaints from some shippers and freight forwarders concerning the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by certain shipping lines.
In pursuit of a fair outcome, the GSA, having conducted an investigation into the complaint, requested a meeting with the BoG, the shipping lines involved, and the complainants to elicit a directive from the BoG to prohibit the illegal practice.
A meeting held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, involving the BoG, GSA, shipping lines, and other stakeholders is expected to culminate in the issuance of a conclusive resolution by the BoG this week. This directive will be duly published for the benefit of all stakeholders.
To further bolster the execution of its mandate, the GSA has sought input from all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector in drafting the Legislative Instrument that will facilitate the enforcement of Act 1122 (2024).
These stakeholders include regulators from all transport modes (air, sea, and land) involved in international trade, service providers, terminal operators, and shipping lines.
This collaborative approach underscores the GSA’s commitment to ensuring that the enforcement of the law remains impartial and beneficial for the greater good of Ghana and its people.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to serving the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector.
The GSA is particularly focused on positioning Ghana as the preferred hub for international trade. These objectives will continue to guide their operations and be upheld at all times.
