The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed its approval of 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 this law will give the GSA the authority to control the port and have the power 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 to provide relief to businesses and promote their growth. He highlighted the need for the Ghana Shippers Authority to have a clear mandate to control costs and ensure that businesses can operate efficiently. By approving or disapproving charges, the GSA can help alleviate the financial burden on businesses and create a conducive environment for growth.
The stakeholder engagement organized by the GSA in Accra aimed to gather input for the development of a Legislative Instrument (LI) that would 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 these discussions to address their concerns and ensure that the LI benefits all parties involved.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill 2024 was passed into law by Parliament on July 29, 2024, after its successful third reading. This 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. The law seeks to promote transparency, accountability, increase national revenue, and 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 enhancing the regulation of the shipping industry in Ghana. By empowering the GSA to control charges and ensure transparency in commercial activities, the law is expected to benefit businesses, promote growth, and make Ghana a more attractive trading hub in the region. The engagement of stakeholders in the development of the LI will further ensure that the implementation of the law addresses the concerns of all parties involved.