The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and freight forwarders assisting importers to clear goods at the country’s point of entry in an agreement have come out with a new freight forwarding and clearing agents’ charges for the next two years.
The new rates, which takes effect from today January 1, 2023, affects activities at Ghana’s two seaports (Tema and Takoradi ports), Kotoka International Airport (KIA), as well as Aflao and Elubo borders.
This new rate set by GSA and Freight Forwarders is in accordance with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulation, 2012 (L.1.2190), which mandates the authority to negotiate charges of shipping service providers on behalf of shippers (importers and exporters).
The Freight Forwarders’ new rates were reached after negotiations and extensive deliberation between the GSA and Committee of Freight Forwarder Associations (CoFFA) representing the forwarders and clearing agents.
During the deliberations and negotiation, the proposed individual line items and justifications were vividly examined by the GSA to ensure that, the levels of the charges were in correspondent with the service being provided.
The negotiated rates which would last for the next two years are to guide importers and exporters to plan their operations, check the cost of doing business in Ghana and as well ensure price predictability.
The Signing Ceremony And Gratitude From The GIFF Vice President
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GSA, Mrs. Benonita Bismarck, speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, encouraged the forwarders to keep to the negotiated rates in order to create a congenial business environment.
“We have gone through a tough time to get to these rates, which as we agreed, is to commensurate with the services rendered to importers and exporters.
“What we hope for is that your members would not charge more than this but feel free to charge less per the relationship you have with your customers.”
Mrs. Benonita Bismarck
Mr. Peter Mensah, the Vice President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), who signed on behalf of the freight forwarders, expressed his gratitude to the GSA for the openness and fairness at all levels of negotiation.
Mr. Mensah assured that, freight forwarders would comply with the agreed new rates with the good faith that characterised the negotiations.
“It is for the good of not only the sector but the nation at large. A better economy would translate into profits. We would like to offer our customers the chance to also recognise the professionalism we bring to the table.
“We also want to use this to check our members and caution the public to be wary of the activities of fake forwarders.”
Mr. Peter Mensah
Attached Below Is The Details Of The Agreed Rates.
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