Amid growing concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is ramping up its enforcement efforts to better regulate the shipping and logistics sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the GSA outlined its commitment to the new regulatory framework established by the Act, which was passed by Parliament in July 2024 and subsequently assented to by the President in October of the same year. This transformation has endowed the GSA with the authority to oversee the shipping service industry, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents.
The Act requires these service providers to submit all proposed fees, charges, and tariffs for review and approval by the GSA before they can be implemented. The Authority confirmed that it has already exercised this power, rejecting various proposed fee hikes that lacked adequate commercial justification.
Addressing concerns that the GSA’s regulatory actions could hinder trade, the Authority emphasized its collaborative approach rather than an adversarial one. “We are committed to conducting in-depth investigations, hearings, and stakeholder engagement to ensure fairness in our process,” the GSA stated.
Additionally, the GSA is working alongside the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to tackle complaints from shippers and freight forwarders regarding the alleged arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by certain shipping lines. A high-level meeting involving the GSA, BoG, and industry stakeholders took place on July 15 to address these concerns, with a directive from the BoG expected to be issued within the week.
To facilitate the comprehensive enforcement of the Act, the GSA is also consulting with regulators across various transport modalities—including air, sea, and land—to draft the necessary Legislative Instrument that will operationalize the law.
The Authority reiterated its dedication to protecting the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, aiming to position Ghana as a preferred trade hub in the region. With these steps, the GSA is taking proactive measures to enhance the regulatory environment and ensure the sustainable growth of Ghana’s shipping industry.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
