Authority Enforces Act 1122 to Curb Unjustified Charges
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) rejected proposed charge increases by shipping lines and ground handlers at Kotoka International Airport, citing unsubstantiated commercial justifications, according to a July 15, 2025, statement. Enforcing the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), passed on July 29, 2024, and assented to on October 17, 2024, the GSA mandates that all fees and tariffs be submitted for approval to ensure transparency and fairness in pricing.
GSA CEO Professor Ransford Gyampo, speaking on TV3’s Key Points on July 12, 2025, accused some shipping lines of using arbitrary exchange rates, bypassing Bank of Ghana (BoG) standards. After investigations, the GSA presented findings to the BoG, which held a meeting on July 15 with shipping lines and freight forwarders to address unlawful forex practices. The BoG is expected to issue a directive prohibiting these practices, to be published for stakeholders, per MyJoyOnline.
The GSA’s statement emphasized an inquisitorial approach, balancing regulatory oversight with support for international trade. The Authority is drafting a Legislative Instrument to operationalize Act 1122, engaging stakeholders like the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Aviance Ghana, Swissport Ghana, and freight forwarders. This follows Gyampo’s May 6, 2025, engagements at Kotoka to address air freight cost issues, aiming to make Ghana a competitive trade hub, as reported by Ghana News Agency.
Complaints from shippers about delays and costs due to inefficiencies, such as frequent Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) outages, were raised during stakeholder meetings. The GSA is addressing these concerns to reduce logistics costs, which account for over 50% of retail prices in Ghana, and to enhance operational predictability. The Authority’s actions align with President John Mahama’s directive on July 11, 2025, requiring parliamentary approval for all port fees to eliminate illegal charges, per Graphic Online.
The GSA’s enforcement reflects a broader push to streamline Ghana’s logistics sector and curb revenue losses at ports, as highlighted by Mahama’s concerns over declining port revenue despite increased cargo volumes. By rejecting unapproved fee hikes and tackling forex abuses, the GSA aims to protect shippers and position Ghana as West Africa’s trade gateway, competing with modernizing ports in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, per Businessday NG.