The recent passage of the Ghana Shippers‘ Authority (GSA) Bill, 2024, into law has been met with praise from key stakeholders in the shipping sector. The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) have all commended Parliament for enacting this new legislation. The new GSA Bill replaces the outdated 1974 Act (NRCD 254) and addresses various gaps identified in the previous law and existing Legislative Instrument (L.I.), while also aligning with global best practices.
One of the key highlights of the new legislation is the empowerment of the GSA to address long-standing issues such as unfair charges, lack of transparency, and ineffective regulation that have been hindering the growth of the blue economy. Specifically, the law targets excessive charges that burden traders using the country’s sea and air ports, as well as land borders for international trade.
Following a meeting with the trade associations at the Ghana Shipper’s House in Accra, President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, emphasized the importance of the new Shipping Act. He highlighted that the act empowers the GSA to approve or disapprove various charges imposed by shipping lines, providing much-needed relief for traders. Dr. Obeng also pointed out some areas within the act that require further attention, expressing confidence that these concerns will be addressed in future updates to the law.
President of AGI, Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darkeh, also expressed strong support for the new Act, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the business community. He emphasized that the role of the GSA is now well-defined, positioning it as a referee to help create fairness in the cost of doing business, particularly at ports of entry.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo reiterated that the new legislation aims to amend portions of the existing act that has governed Ghana’s shipping industry since 1974. He stressed the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders to identify and address challenges within the act, highlighting the need for a unified body for the shipping industry to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
In a statement following the passage of the Bill, CEO of the GSA, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, acknowledged that while the amended law is a significant step in the right direction, it is not a magic solution. He assured stakeholders that the enforcement of the law will be fair and representative of the interests of the shipping industry, marking a major win for Ghana in its quest to become the preferred trade hub in the region.
Overall, the stakeholders‘ meeting and the passage of the GSA Bill signal a positive development for the shipping sector in Ghana. With a focus on addressing longstanding issues and promoting transparency and fairness, the new legislation is poised to bring about positive changes that will benefit traders, businesses, and the economy as a whole.