18 shipping lines fined GH¢54,000 for out of time defence in suit against GIFF
The plaintiff filed the case on January 21, 2025, alleging that the shipping firms had breached the Shipping Authority Act 1122.
The Tema High Court has imposed a GH¢54,000 penalty on 18 shipping companies for failing to file their defense on time in a legal suit initiated by Johnny Mantey, the Tema District Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders.
The plaintiff filed the case on January 21, 2025, alleging that the shipping firms had breached the Shipping Authority Act 1122. The law mandates that all service charges by shipping lines must first be approved by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Cynthia Wiredu fined the defendants GH¢54,000 for the delay in responding to the suit.
Although the companies entered a conditional appearance on January 31, 2025, they did not apply to have the writ dismissed within the legally stipulated 14 days. Their appearance thus became unconditional by default, obliging them to submit a defense within another 14 days—a requirement they also failed to meet.
In response, the plaintiff filed a motion on March 14, 2025, requesting a default judgment. The court scheduled the hearing for March 27, but during the session, the plaintiff’s legal team opted to withdraw the motion, a decision the court approved.
According to Noah Adamtey, who is counsel for the plaintiff, his side will now reply to the defense submissions, and the case will continue accordingly.
