The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has vehemently opposed the Ghana Shippers Authority Act 2024, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo to withhold consent until unresolved issues are addressed.
GUTA President Joseph Obeng criticized the Act, noting that key stakeholders’ concerns were ignored during its formulation.
These concerns include the lack of consultation on the registration process for shippers and shipping service providers, the unreviewed notice of shipment submissions, and the late distribution of the final draft after parliamentary approval.
Obeng also highlighted unresolved issues regarding the suspension, renewal, and cancellation of importers’ registration and the reintroduction of the Advance Shipment Information System, which the government had previously withdrawn.
Despite assurances from the Ghana Shippers Authority that Legislative Instruments (LIs) would address these concerns post-enactment, GUTA remains sceptical, arguing that LIs cannot amend the Act’s provisions.
Therefore, the association has called on the President to delay signing the Act into law until all stakeholder concerns are resolved.
The Ghana Shippers Authority Bill 2024 was passed by Parliament on July 29, 2024, following its third reading.
The new legislation amends the 50-year-old NRCD 254 (1974) and aims to regulate commercial shipping activities, address excessive port charges, and enhance transparency in fee determination.
It also seeks to improve Ghana’s position as a transit hub for neighbouring landlocked countries and boost revenue from the shipping sector.
The Act empowers the Ghana Shippers Authority to better manage industry trends, safeguard shippers’ interests, and enhance regulatory oversight.
