New Shippers Authority law crucial for growth of industry – Dr Mbiah
A Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Dr Kofi Mbiah, has urged stakeholders in the shipping industry to support the newly passed Shippers Authority Law, citing its potential benefits for the industry.
He stated that the law addresses longstanding complaints from stakeholders, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), freight forwarders, and the Importers, and Exporters Association, regarding the lack of standardised charges and inefficiencies at Ghana’s ports.
In an interview with Joy News monitored by the Ghanaian Times over the weekend, he noted that the law would help streamline operations, making them more efficient and predictable.
“There have been numerous complaints from the stakeholders themselves. So it will come to me as a big surprise if we do not take the opportunity that this new bill offers,” he said.
Dr Mbia’s comments follow calls from some industry stakeholders, including GUTA, urging President Akufo-Addo to delay signing the bill into law, arguing that they were not adequately consulted during the legislative process.
The former CEO held the view that while the law might not please everyone, it represented a significant step forward towards the growth of the industry.
“We can’t get something that pleases everybody, so it is important that we streamline. And this act, I believe, does well to streamline what we have been doing so far,” he stated.
Dr Mbiah expressed surprise at the opposition from stakeholders in the shipping industry, given the law’s potential to improve the industry.
It would be surprising if we don’t seize the opportunities that this new bill offers,” he said.
Dr Mbiah further called on all stakeholders to work together under the new regulations in order to achieve better outcomes for the industry, stressing the im
portance of collective agreement and progress.
Meanwhile, in response to GUTA’s concerns, the management of the GSA has in a statement reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to the ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
It clarified that the registration requirements in the law were not equivalent to a licensing regime and had been part of Ghana’s legal framework for years.
Additionally, it explained that the submission of shipment notices is a long-established practice necessary for efficient shipment processing.
The statement also addressed concerns about the reintroduction of the Advance Shipment Information System, noting that it is intended to expedite clearance processes at ports and reduce costs for shippers.
It also reassured stakeholders that the law was designed to enhance, not hinder, profitable commercial shipping in Ghana and invited continued collaboration to ensure that the upcoming Legislative Instrument (L.I.) aligns with the law’s objectives.
Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, into law on Monday, July 29, 2024.
When assented to by the president, the law, which amends its 50-year-old establishment law, NRCD 254 (1974), will regulate commercial activities of shippers.
It will primarily address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders, to conduct their international trade.
BY JONATHAN DONKOR
