Shippers Authority Act set to ease port charges and improve trade – Minister Joseph Nikpe

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says the newly approved Ghana Shippers Authority (Amendment) Act will cut down the cost of operations at the country’s ports, easing pressure on importers and exporters while boosting overall efficiency.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Mr. Nikpe described the legislation as a major reform that expands the authority of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) to better regulate fees, prevent exploitative practices, and improve port services.

“The Ghana Shippers Authority Act will significantly reduce the cost of doing business at our ports by ensuring fairness and eliminating arbitrary charges,” he said, adding, “This reform is central to our commitment to improving Ghana’s competitiveness in international trade.”

The Minister stressed that reducing port expenses forms a key part of Ghana’s drive to become more competitive on the global market. According to him, the Act empowers the GSA to mediate disputes, oversee shipping service providers, and negotiate freight charges in the interest of businesses.

Mr. Nikpe pointed out that businesses frequently suffer from excessive demurrage fees, arbitrary tariffs, and inefficiencies in clearing goods. He maintained that addressing these challenges will help accelerate national growth, noting that nearly 80 percent of Ghana’s international trade passes through its ports.

“When shippers save money at the ports, it translates into lower costs for goods and services across the economy. This directly benefits ordinary Ghanaians,” he added.

Alongside the new law, the Minister highlighted several initiatives designed to reinforce Ghana’s maritime and port infrastructure. These include:

Construction of the Akatechiwa Fleet Park along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor to improve truck turnaround time and reduce congestion.

The reopening of Dock 2 at the Tema Shipyard to expand repair capacity and provide jobs for Ghanaian engineers and artisans.

Awarding of a dredging contract to China Harbor Engineering Company to deepen sections of the Tema Port for larger vessels, cutting freight costs.

Installation of a round-the-clock maritime surveillance system to tackle piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

“These investments will not only improve port efficiency but also position Ghana as a preferred maritime hub in West Africa,” Mr. Nikpe said.

He further linked the Act to the government’s wider “Resetting Ghana Agenda,” which seeks to modernize road, rail, aviation, and inland water transport systems.

“Our goal is to make Ghana’s transport system safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. The Shippers Authority Act is a game-changer because it directly tackles the cost burden that businesses and consumers have complained about for years,” he explained.

The Minister concluded by assuring stakeholders that government will continue to work closely with the private sector to ensure that these reforms produce real savings and enhance the global competitiveness of Ghanaian enterprises.