The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to withhold his assent to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, citing unresolved concerns from key stakeholders.
On July 29, 2024, Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill into law after its third reading. The new law is designed to regulate the commercial activities of shippers, with a focus on curbing unfair and excessive charges imposed on traders utilizing Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders, for international trade.
However, in a statement dated August 21 and signed by GUTA President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, the association expressed disappointment that the bill was passed without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders.
“The Business Community wishes to appeal to the President of the Republic not to assent to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 until some critical issues raised on the Act by stakeholders are resolved,” the statement read.
While Parliament argues that the law will enhance transparency in the determination of port fees, ensure accountability in the movement of international trade cargo, and boost Ghana’s appeal as a transit trade hub for landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, GUTA remains firm in its stance.
The association insists that President Akufo-Addo should delay his assent until all stakeholder concerns are fully addressed.
Below is the full statement.
The Business Community wishes to appeal to the President of the Republic not to assent to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 until some critical issues raised on the Act by stakeholders are resolved.
They are as follows:
1. The issue of registration of shippers and shipping service providers were not discussed with us to make our input as stakeholders in the shipping industry.
2. Submission of notice of shipment was also not discussed with stakeholders for their input.
3. The final draft was issued to stakeholders only after Parliament had approved the Bill.
4. Issues raised on the suspension of registration, renewal of certificate of registration, cancellation of registration and outright rejection, which are only related to permits and licenses to operate as importers have not been resolved with stakeholders.
5. The Advance Shipment Information System that had been resisted and withdrawn by the Government in the past is now being reintroduced in the Act. Our position on that has not changed. Moreover, this information sought by the GSA is of no relevance to their operation.
6. For these reasons, the Ghana Shippers Authority had agreed to our concerns and promised that as the Act has already been passed by Parliament, they would use Legislative Instruments (LIs) to correct any defect or anomaly in the operationalization of the Act. However, our consultations suggest that LIs cannot override an Act, hence our call on the President of the Republic not to assent to the Act until all issues raised are resolved.
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