Shippers’ Authority Act will sanitise commercial shipping sector – GUTA

The Ghana Union of Traders Association is confident that the new Ghana Shippers Authority Act will effectively address issues such as arbitrary charges and operational inefficiencies, which have long hindered traders and adversely affected the economy.

Speaking on the maritime television programme Eye on Port, GUTA president Dr. Joseph Obeng emphasised the necessity for stricter regulations within the shipping industry. He pointed out that for years the sector has suffered from lax oversight, leading to significant economic challenges – particularly due to practices of shipping lines operating in the country.

“While there may be some reservations from certain stakeholders, we must set aside our differences for the collective good of the nation,” Dr Obeng urged.

He emphasised that the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act will enhance transparency, fairness and accountability, ensuring that shipping service providers adhere to clearly established guidelines.

Promoting lawful conduct among shipping lines

Dr. Obeng urged all stakeholders to lend their full support to GSA, enabling it to effectively regulate the operations of shipping lines. He pointed out that some shipping lines have previously shown a disregard for GSA regulations, and he believes this issue needs to be addressed under the new legal framework.

“We must give the Ghana Shippers Authority all the backing it needs to regulate these shipping lines. The blatant disregard some of these lines have shown toward the Authority should no longer be tolerated.

“The Shippers Authority is a government agency with the legal mandate to oversee this sector. We are prepared to set aside any differences to fully support the Authority in ensuring that all shipping lines operating in the country comply with the law,” Dr. Obeng stated.

He noted that the demonstration held on Tuesday, 24th September 2024 should be a wake-up call to all shipping lines operating in the country – including Intermodal Shipping Agencies Ghana Limited, Arkas Line, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Gold Star, ZIM Shipping Lines, Grimaldi, Messina Lines, Pacific International Line (PIL), UNICARGO, Breadbox Shipping Lines, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), CMA-CGM, Grimaldi Ghana Limited and Maersk Line.

Shipping lines’ perspective

Also speaking on Eye on Port, Adam Imoro Ayarna – an Executive Member of the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG), expressed confidence that shipping lines are already complying with the regulations governing their operations. He highlighted that shipping companies have been engaged in constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Transport and Ghana Shippers Authority, resulting in a working agreement that is respected throughout the industry.

“We have sat with the Ministry of Transport and GSA and have a working agreement in place, which we respect,” Mr Ayarna said. He also advised shippers to ensure they thoroughly understand the contracts of carriage with shipping lines before committing to them in order to avoid potential disputes.

A call for stakeholder cooperation

Dr. Obeng reiterated his appeal for all stakeholders to collaborate with the Ghana Shippers Authority and other relevant bodies to ensure effective implementation of the new law. He expressed optimism that GSA Act 2024 will bring long-term stability and growth to the commercial shipping sector, benefitting traders, businesses and consumers alike.

“The new GSA Act will undoubtedly enhance the shipping sector’s operational efficiency, making it more competitive and transparent. It is a crucial step toward ensuring that the interests of traders and consumers are protected. We must all work together to ensure this law delivers the intended benefits,” Dr. Obeng concluded.

To address commercial disputes in Ghana’s shipping sector, GSA is confident that the recently passed Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) Act 2024, along with its preceding Legislative Instrument (L.I.), will address many if not all of the concerns raised. This new legal framework aims to create a more equitable and transparent shipping industry in Ghana.

GSA continues to assure all stakeholders of their unwavering commitment toward dialogue that ensures all perspectives are duly shared and considered.

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