Shippers Council establishes complaints and support unit

Elubo (WR), Feb. 22, GNA - Management of Ghana Shippers Council has established a Complaints and Support Unit at the Elubo entry point as part of measures to find solution to some of the challenges facing shippers and traders in their operations.

Similar units would be established at ports and entry points at Aflao, Paga, Bawku, Kotoka International Airport and Takoradi and Tema harbours to offer readily available assistance to stakeholders in the sector.

Mr Emmanuel Martey, Deputy Chief Executive of the Council inaugurating the Unit, said it was in response to increasing requests by shippers to the Council for intervention to help reduce problems facing them.

The Council had in the past handled complaints that involved inspections, companies and freight forwarders at the Elubo border from its Western Regional Office in Takoradi. Mr Martey said the units were another innovation in the Council's service delivery to facilitate work of personnel in the sector and urged stakeholders to collaborate with their personnel to ensure the relief and support envisaged were realized. Mr Sal Doe Amegavie, Executive Secretary of Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said establishment of the unit was an important milestone to protect and promote the interests of shippers in the country.

He commended management of the Council for enhancing operations of the shipping industry by educating shippers of developments in the industry as well as instituting measures to facilitate transactions by shippers and traders. These included shipper's information centres with computers and internet connectivity for importers and exporters to enhance operations of stakeholders in the sector.

Mr Amegavie noted that these would address challenges such as excessive charges by some clearing and shipping agents, delays in processing of documents, pilfering and illegal charges. Mr George Kwaku Ofori, Acting President of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) in a solidarity message pledged the association's support to enhance operations of the unit. 22 Feb. 09