Traders Advocate for President’s Swift Assent to Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has expressed surprise over recent calls from certain industry stakeholders urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to delay assenting to the recently passed Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law.
According to TAGG, such calls are unwarranted, as the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has already begun engaging stakeholders to address concerns and ensure the smooth implementation of the new law.
In a statement, TAGG emphasized that the GSA has been proactive in its dialogue with various industry players since the law was passed, with the aim of making Ghana an attractive and competitive trading destination.
The group highlighted that the GSA has consistently kept its doors open for consultations, particularly on areas of the law that have raised concerns within the business community.
TAGG further noted that it is confident the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), which will operationalize the law, will take into account the feedback provided by the business community.
It believes that the GSA’s commitment to continuous engagement demonstrates its intention to ensure the law’s implementation benefits all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector.
TAGG cautioned that efforts to obstruct the law’s progress could serve the interests of only a few, rather than the broader business community. The group, therefore, urged President Akufo-Addo to carefully review the document and move swiftly to sign it into law, which would bolster Ghana’s position in the global commercial shipping arena.
It however assured the public and the trading community that the new law will bring significant improvements for shippers and those involved in commercial shipping.
The group also encouraged any stakeholders with concerns regarding the L.I. to continue engaging in discussions with the GSA, as the necessary steps are taken to finalize the regulations.
Background
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority was established in 1974 by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 1974 (NRCD 254) to organize shippers and equip them with bargaining power.
However, the Act had not undergone significant reviews in 50 years, making it unresponsive to industry transformations. The Authority has been spearheading transit trade development since 1987, but the legal framework to regulate transit trade and ensure maximum benefits for Ghana is non-existent.
Justification
The Ministry of Transport is of the view that the exorbitant charges by service providers hinder business growth and contribute to price hikes. The lack of legislation empowering the GSA to regulate port charges worsens this issue.
The Ministry emphasizes the need to amend existing legislation to enhance the GSA’s mandate and capacity to regulate and standardize shipping charges.
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Source: By Felix Nyaaba // ExpressNewsGhana.com
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