The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has ramped up enforcement of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), asserting its new mandate as a regulatory body to bring discipline and transparency to the shipping and logistics industry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Authority defended its actions amid growing scrutiny and industry concerns. It clarified that its regulatory posture stems directly from reforms passed by Parliament in July 2024 and signed into law by the President in October of the same year, which elevated the GSA from an advocacy body to a full-fledged regulator.
Under the Act, all shipping service providers—including shipping lines, clearing agents, freight forwarders, and terminal operators—are required to submit proposed tariffs, fees, and charges to the GSA for review and approval prior to implementation. The Authority disclosed that it has already exercised this oversight power, rejecting certain proposed increases that were deemed commercially unjustifiable.
In response to criticisms that the new regulatory framework might hinder trade, the Authority was emphatic that its operations are not antagonistic but based on extensive consultations. “We follow a fair and transparent process involving thorough investigations, stakeholder hearings, and collaborative dialogue,” the statement emphasized.
The GSA also addressed growing dissatisfaction from shippers and freight forwarders over what they describe as the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines. It confirmed that a high-level meeting between the Authority, the Bank of Ghana, and industry stakeholders took place on July 15 to resolve the issue, with a formal directive from the BoG expected shortly.
As part of efforts to fully operationalise the new law, the GSA announced it is engaging with regulators across the air, land, and sea transport sectors to craft a Legislative Instrument (LI) that will give legal weight to the practical enforcement of Act 1122.
Reaffirming its role, the Authority stressed its commitment to promoting fairness, ensuring competitive pricing, and protecting the interests of both shippers and service providers.
“We remain dedicated to making Ghana the most efficient and reliable shipping hub in the sub-region,” the statement concluded.
