The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has recently voiced their strong opposition to the newly enacted Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) Law. This law, which was passed by Parliament without prior engagement with stakeholders, has sparked controversy within the business community. Under the new GSA Law of 2024, importers and shipping service providers are mandated to register with the Ghana Shippers Authority and submit shipment notices. Additionally, the law reinstates the advanced shipment information system, which had previously been withdrawn due to resistance from businesses.
In a statement to JoyNews, the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, criticized the passage of the act, labeling it as a mere money-making venture. He expressed concerns about the punitive measures included in the law, questioning the necessity of such penalties for traders. Dr. Obeng highlighted the lack of consultation with stakeholders on crucial aspects of the law, such as registration and advance shipment requirements. He emphasized that the business community was not given the opportunity to review the draft of the law before its passage, raising suspicions of deception.
Dr. Obeng urged President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the controversial GSA law, citing the lack of transparency and consultation in its formulation. However, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) expressed a different perspective, stating that calls to postpone the signing of the law were unnecessary. According to TAGG, the GSA has been actively engaging with stakeholders to address concerns and ensure a smooth implementation of the new law.
TAGG emphasized that the GSA has been open to consultations with industry players since the law was passed, aiming to make Ghana a competitive trading destination. They expressed confidence that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that will put the law into effect will consider feedback from the business community. Overall, the debate surrounding the GSA Law highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparency in the legislative process to ensure the interests of all parties are taken into account.
In conclusion, the conflicting views of GUTA and TAGG on the newly enacted GSA Law underscore the need for open dialogue and collaboration between the government and stakeholders. As Ghana seeks to enhance its position as a trading hub, it is crucial to address concerns raised by the business community and work towards a mutually beneficial regulatory framework. Only through inclusive decision-making processes can sustainable and effective policies be implemented for the benefit of all parties involved in the trade sector.