The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, was officially passed into law in Parliament on Monday, July 29, 2024, following a thorough legislative process in Parliament. This new legislation is set to play a crucial role in regulating commercial activities within the shipping sector and addressing issues of unfair and excessive charges imposed on traders using Ghana’s ports and land borders.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps after the bill’s passage, Director of Operations at the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Miss Sylvia Asana Daudau Owu, highlighted that the new law will enhance the regulation of transit trade and create a more balanced environment for both shippers and service providers. This, she said, will boost efficiency and competitiveness in international trade.
“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, is designed to position Ghana as a preferred transit route for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger,” Miss Asana Daudau Owu explained. “One of the key purposes of this legislation is to ensure fair pricing and charges for all stakeholders, especially importers and exporters.”
The updated law grants the GSA the authority to adapt more effectively to emerging trends and complexities within the shipping and logistics industry. This expanded mandate will enable the GSA to better protect the interests of shippers and service providers while improving regulatory oversight across the sector.
Established 50 years ago by NRCD 254 (1974), the GSA has been pivotal in regulating the shipment, storage, and delivery of international cargo by sea, air, and land. Over the decades, it has enforced compliance with industry standards both within Ghana and through its connections to neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
Miss Asana Daudau Owu acknowledged that while the amended law represents significant progress, it is not a complete solution to all challenges. “The GSA is committed to a collaborative approach to address any unforeseen issues that may arise, leveraging our long-standing relationships with sector stakeholders,” she said.
She also assured stakeholders that the GSA will enforce the new law with fairness and equity, aiming to uphold the interests of all parties involved in the industry.
Miss Daudau Owu expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Cabinet, Parliament, and all stakeholders for their contributions and support in the successful passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill.
By Deborah Dzivenu