Parliament Passes Shippers’ Authority Bill
This new legislation updates the 50-year-old establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), aiming to regulate shippers' commercial activities and tackle the problem of excessive and unfair charges that impact traders.
On Monday, July 29, Ghana's Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024.
This new legislation updates the 50-year-old establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), aiming to regulate shippers' commercial activities and tackle the problem of excessive and unfair charges that impact traders using the nation's sea, airports, and land borders for international trade.
The bill seeks to introduce transparency in setting port fees, ensuring accountability in the legal movement of international trade cargo across all of Ghana's borders.
This move is designed to make Ghana a preferred transit route for landlocked neighbors Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while also boosting the sector's revenue contribution to the national economy.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), empowered by the new law, will be better equipped to adapt to emerging trends and complexities within the shipping and logistics industry.
It will also enhance its regulatory oversight, protecting the interests of both shippers and shipping service providers.
The Parliamentary Committee on Roads and Transportation's report highlighted the need for effective regulation of the shipping and logistics sector to ensure fair pricing and charges for all stakeholders, especially importers and exporters.
The bill aims to facilitate fair fee charges at ports and borders, promoting the participation of local firms in the sector.
The Committee noted that excessive charges imposed by some service providers, particularly at sea and air ports, hindered business growth and contributed to the unnecessary rise in prices of goods and services.
Once signed into law by the President, the bill is expected to enhance transparency and accountability, ultimately driving improved revenue generation and collection for national socio-economic growth.
Transport Minister Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah expressed satisfaction with the bill's approval, noting that it would enhance the Ghana Shippers’ Authority's ability to fulfill its statutory mandate.
