Don’t charge shippers’ for others’ faults – Shippers Authority cautions

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has cautioned players in the commercial shipping sector not to charge shippers (importers and exporters) for delays at the port not occasioned by them.

In a public announcement release on 24th December 2024 and signed by the Chief Executive Office, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, the GSA stressed the point that no shipper should be charged for costs associated with delays that are not their fault.

The directive comes amidst reports of significant delays in the delivery and evacuation of containers from the Port of Tema, caused by scanner breakdowns and system glitches.

According to the GSA, it acknowledges the efforts being made to resolve challenges, particularly with the scanner at MPS Terminal 3 and the intermittent system glitches of ICUMS. However, the GSA has emphasized that shippers should not bear the cost of delays resulting from systemic failures.

What to do if affected

If you are a cargo interest holder, consignee, or service provider who has been charged for unnecessary delays, the GSA urges you to report the incident promptly. The GSA has set up a mechanism to investigate and facilitate a refund if it is established that the delay was due to systemic failure.

The GSA noted that it remains committed to working with stakeholders to ensure efficient delivery of services in the shipping sector.

According to the GSA the aim of this move is to remind shippers of their rights and to promote fairness and transparency in the commercial shipping industry.

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