The Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has described calls from some players in the commercial shipping industry for President Nana Akufo-Addo to halt his assent of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law 2024 as unfounded.
This comes after GUTA, representing a broad spectrum of the business community, raised several critical concerns regarding the new legislation, which they believe need to be addressed before it becomes law.
However, IEAG President Sampson Asaki Awingobit argues that the law in its current form ensures that every stakeholder in the commercial shipping value chain acts responsibly and is held accountable in their operations.
"I am aware that with the new law, the Board of the Shippers' Authority now includes representatives from AGI, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ghana Union of Traders. They also agreed to set up ad-hoc committees comprising stakeholders and the Shippers' Authority to draft the legislative instrument (LI) that will properly regulate and implement the Act. We are still waiting for the Ghana Shippers' Authority to invite us to form this ad-hoc committee.
"Therefore, I was surprised to see that my colleagues have issued a statement calling for the President not to assent to the passed bill. I believe that the current Ghana Shippers' Authority Act is intended to support the business community, especially shippers, importers, and exporters. The Shippers' Authority has shown a willingness to listen to us. I am confident that the door is still open for further engagement,” he said during an interview with the media.
The IEAG asserts that the new GSA law is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and efficiency within the shipping and logistics industry.
The Association also emphasised the need for continuous engagement between the GSA and key stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the law addresses the practical challenges faced by importers and exporters.
“In my view, this Act is necessary to streamline the operations of shippers, particularly carriers who have been exploiting importers by imposing excessive fees and charges. Sometimes, when an importer pays the port charges but cannot cover the additional fees imposed by the carrier, the carrier will hold the cargo, even when higher authorities have intervened. Now that the Shippers' Authority has an Act to regulate this industry, I am fully prepared to engage, and I know that others share this commitment,” he added.
Additionally, the IEAG has called for clear guidelines and support from the GSA to help businesses adapt to the new regulations, ensuring that the law does not become a barrier to trade but rather a facilitator of smoother and more efficient operations within Ghana’s trade sector.
On Monday, July 29, 2024, Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill 2024 into law after its successful third reading on the floor of the House.
The new law amends the establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), which is 50 years old. It will regulate the commercial activities of shippers and primarily address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders, for their international trade.
The law seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, increase national revenue, and make Ghana a preferred destination for landlocked neighbors such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
MA/AE
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