GHANA SHIPPERS AUTHORITY BILL: CALLS TO STOP PRESIDENT ASSENTING GROUNDLESS- Importers & Exporters Association

The Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has described calls from some players in the commercial shipping industry for President Nana Akufo-Addo to halt his assent of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law 2024 as groundless.

According to the Association's President, Mr  Sampson Asaki Awingobit, the law in its current form ensures that every stakeholder in the commercial shipping value chain acts responsibly and is held accountable in their operations 

"For the IEAG, the law creates a more structured and regulated environment for trade, ensuring that the interests of both importers and exporters are safeguarded.

He added that the bill is in the interest of stakeholders and would protect Ghanaian business.

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) have expressed reservations about certain sections of the law and have asked the President to delay assenting to it until further dialogue has taken place. However, the IEAG asserts that the new GSA law is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and efficiency within the shipping and logistics industry, and while further dialogue is needed, the assent should not be halted

The Association also emphasises the need for continuous engagement between the GSA and key stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the law addresses the practical challenges faced by importers and exporters.

Furthermore, the IEAG has called for clear guidelines and support from the GSA to help businesses adapt to the new regulations, ensuring that the law does not become a barrier to trade but rather a facilitator of smoother and more efficient operations withinGhana’s trade sector.

Report by PKB