The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nipke, has disclosed that the government is moving to amend the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act to address recurring disputes over shipping charges and exchange rate applications at the country’s ports.
The move follows growing concerns from the Chamber of Freight and Trade about inconsistencies in exchange rates applied by shipping lines when calculating demurrage and other port-related fees.
In response, the Ship Owners and Agents Association clarified that their exchange rate calculations are based on prevailing rates at the port of origin when vessels depart for Ghana, in line with standard international shipping practices, rather than rates published by the Bank of Ghana.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Mr. Nipke said the planned legal reforms would strengthen the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s ability to regulate port operations.
“I have been on the move to ensure that we get the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act amended, which will give them the mandate to be able to control the activities at the port and also regulate the work of the shipping lines properly,” he stated.
“Some of our laws were not helping in controlling those issues. But thank God the cabinet has approved the amendment, and when parliament reconvenes, it will be laid in parliament. That will give the Ghana Shippers’ Authority the power to regulate and also fix charges at the port.
“When that happens, they will also have the power to bring down the cost of doing business at the port and run the place effectively,” he added.
If passed, the amendment is expected to enhance clarity in port operations, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business for importers and exporters.
We’ll regulate shipping lines despite their resistance – Gyampo
