New GSA law to transform shipping industry – Glover

The new Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) law, will bring efficient, effective and transparent regulatory environment that will help transform the shipping industry in Ghana.

John Baker Glover, Kumasi Branch Manager of GSA, who stated this, said the new law (Act 1122) of 2024, would help boost trade in the shipping industry and contribute immensely to economic development.

He was speaking at a media engagement oraganised by GSA on the the GSA Act 1122 of 2024, which mandates the GSA to regulate the commercial aspects of shipping and logistics industry in Ghana.

The engagement was to educate journalists and other media practitioners on the provisions of the new GSA law.

It was to enhance their understanding of the operations of the GSA and to strengthen collaboration between GSA and the media.

Glover pointed out that, the maritime and shipping industry remained a cornerstone of the country’s economic drive and all efforts must be made to strengthen it.

The law, he said was an improvement over the previous one making it well defined and structured.

He noted that, the new law would deepen the responsibilities, strengthen legal authority, broaden the mandate, provide regulatory powers and determine reasonable fees and charges.

He added that with the new law, GSA would effectively regulate freight and logistic service providers and non compliance shall result in severe sanctions.

He said shippers would now be protected by the law and resolve the overwhelming issues in the industry.

Glover urged shippers and businesses to register with the GSA and align with the updated compliance requirements.

Kojo Frimpong, Principal Shipper Service Trade Facilitating Officer, who gave an over view of the new law, said registration number shall be quoted by the shipper or shipping service provider in any dealings with the Authority and all other stakeholders in the industry.

Also a shipping industry could not administer unapproved charges.

Frimpong called on all shipping service providers to comply with the terms of the laws of GSA or face revocation of their certificates.

According to him, in accordance with the law, shippers could not clear cargo through customs and could not operate at the ports unless the shipping service providers had registered with the Authoritiy.