The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed its support for the newly passed Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) Law, stating that it will provide the Authority with the necessary tools to effectively regulate the shipping industry. The Association believes that the law will empower the GSA to exercise control over the port and have the authority to approve or disapprove import charges that impact the overall cost of doing business in the country.
Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA, emphasized the importance of regulating charges in order to provide relief to businesses and promote their growth. He highlighted the need for the Ghana Shippers Authority to have a proper mandate to control costs and ensure that businesses can operate more efficiently. The high cost of doing business in the country has been a longstanding concern for many businesses, and the new law aims to address this issue by giving the GSA the power to approve or disapprove charges.
The stakeholder engagement organized by the GSA in Accra was aimed at gathering input for the development of a Legislative Instrument (LI) that will guide the implementation of the new law. Various trade associations, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), and GUTA, were involved in the engagement. Dr. Obeng encouraged other stakeholders, such as clearing agents, to participate in the GSA’s stakeholder engagements to ensure that their concerns are addressed in the LI and that all parties benefit from the new regulations.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill 2024 was passed into law by Parliament on July 29, 2024, after its successful third reading. The new law, which amends the 50-year-old establishment law NRCD 254 (1974), aims to regulate the commercial activities of shippers and address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders using Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders for international trade. Transparency, accountability, and increased national revenue are key objectives of the new law, which also aims to position Ghana as a preferred destination for its landlocked neighbors, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
In conclusion, the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law is a significant step towards improving the regulatory framework for the shipping industry in Ghana. The involvement of stakeholders in the development of the LI will ensure that the new regulations are implemented effectively and benefit all parties involved. The law is expected to bring about positive changes in the industry, reduce costs for businesses, and promote growth and development in the country.