On July 29, 2024, the Ghanaian Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, into law, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reform its shipping and logistics sector.

The new law amends the 50-year-old establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), which previously governed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA). The updated legislation aims to regulate commercial activities of shippers more effectively and address the longstanding issue of unfair and excessive charges at Ghana’s sea and air ports, as well as land borders.

One of the primary goals of the new law is to introduce greater transparency in determining port fees and charges. This measure is expected to bring about accountability in the movement of international trade cargo across Ghana’s borders, benefiting traders and consumers alike.

The legislation mandates that all fees and charges must be fair and justifiable, thereby preventing service providers from imposing exorbitant costs that have previously hindered business growth and contributed to inflated prices of goods and services.

According to a report by the Committee on Roads and Transportation, the successful passage of the Bill reflects a consensus on the need for effective regulation within the shipping and logistics sector. The Committee emphasized that the law would empower the GSA to ensure fair pricing at ports and borders, thus promoting the participation of local firms in providing services within the sector.

With the new law in place, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority is poised to better adapt to emerging trends and complexities in the shipping and logistics industry. The updated regulatory framework will enhance the GSA’s capacity to protect the interests of shippers and shipping service providers, ensuring a more balanced and efficient industry.

The law aims to make Ghana a preferred transit trade route for its landlocked neighbors, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, thereby boosting the sector’s revenue contribution to the national economy.

Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, who moved for the approval of the Bill, expressed satisfaction with the new law’s potential to strengthen the GSA’s mandate. He noted that the legislation would enhance the authority’s ability to regulate the sector effectively, ensuring that all stakeholders, especially importers and exporters, benefit from fair and transparent practices.

Promoting National Economic Growth

The passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, is expected to drive improved revenue generation and collection, contributing to national socio-economic growth. By eliminating unfair charges and fostering a more competitive shipping environment, the law aims to lower the costs of doing business in Ghana. This, in turn, will make the country more attractive to international trade partners and investors, supporting broader economic development goals.

GSA CEO Kwesi Baffour Sarpong described the amended law as a significant step forward, though not a panacea for all challenges in the industry. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing any issues that may arise, highlighting the GSA’s strong relationships with various stakeholders. Sarpong assured that the enforcement of the law would be fair and representative of the interests of the entire shipping industry, reinforcing Ghana’s ambition to become the preferred trade hub in the region.

Mr. Sarpong extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the legislative process, including trade associations, shipping service providers, shipping lines, and sister state agencies. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Attorney-General’s Department, the Ministry of Transport, and the GSA’s governing Ministry, which played crucial roles in drafting and advocating for the Bill.

Furthermore, he thanked President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Cabinet, and Parliament for their commitment to a cause that promises immense benefits for all industry stakeholders and the nation as a whole.

The CEO paid tribute to the past and present Board, Management, and staff of the GSA, whose hard work and dedication were instrumental in bringing the new law to fruition. The amended shippers’ law not only represents a significant regulatory overhaul but also stands as a testament to the collective efforts of all parties involved, setting the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and equitable shipping sector in Ghana.