New Shippers Authority law crucial for growth of industry – Dr. Mbiah

A Former Chief Exec­utive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Ship­pers Authority (GSA), Dr Kofi Mbiah, has urged stakeholders in the shipping industry to support the newly passed Shippers Authority Law, citing its potential benefits for the industry.

He stated that the law ad­dresses longstanding complaints from stakeholders, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), freight for­warders, and the Importers, and Exporters Association, regarding the lack of standardised charges and inefficiencies at Ghana’s ports.

In an interview with Joy News monitored by the Ghanaian Times over the weekend, he noted that the law would help streamline operations, making them more efficient and predictable.

“There have been numerous complaints from the stakeholders themselves. So, it will come to me as a big surprise if we do not take the opportunity that this new bill offers,” he said.

Dr Mbia’s comments follow calls from some industry stake­holders, including GUTA, urging President Akufo-Addo to delay signing the bill into law, arguing that they were not adequately consulted during the legislative process.

The former CEO held the view that while the law might not, please everyone, it represented a significant step forward towards the growth of the industry.

“We can’t get something that pleases everybody, so it is import­ant that we streamline. And this act, I believe, does well to stream­line what we have been doing so far,” he stated.

Dr Mbiah expressed surprise at the opposition from stakehold­ers in the shipping industry, given the law’s potential to improve the industry.

It would be surprising if we don’t seize the opportunities that this new bill offers,” he said.

Dr Mbiah further called on all stakeholders to work togeth­er under the new regulations in order to achieve better outcomes for the industry, stressing the im­

portance of collective agreement and progress.

Meanwhile, in response to GUTA’s concerns, the man­agement of the GSA has in a statement reaffirmed the Author­ity’s commitment to the ongoing discussions with stakeholders.

It clarified that the regis­tration requirements in the law were not equivalent to a licensing regime and had been part of Ghana’s legal framework for years.

Additionally, it explained that the submission of shipment no­tices is a long-established practice necessary for efficient shipment processing.

The statement also addressed concerns about the reintroduc­tion of the Advance Shipment Information System, noting that it is intended to expedite clearance processes at ports and reduce costs for shippers.

It also reassured stakehold­ers that the law was designed to enhance, not hinder, profitable commercial shipping in Ghana and invited continued collabora­tion to ensure that the upcoming Legislative Instrument (L.I.) aligns with the law’s objectives.

Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, into law on Monday, July 29, 2024.

When assented to by the president, the law, which amends its 50-year-old establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), will regulate the commercial activities of shippers.

It will primarily address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders, to conduct their international trade.