The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has defended its decision to regulate Container Administrative Charges (CAC) imposed by shipping lines and agents, insisting the move is aimed at reducing the high cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
In a statement issued on May 20, the Authority said the intervention follows persistent complaints from importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and trade associations over excessive charges demanded by shipping lines and their agents for the release of cargo at the ports.
According to the Authority, a comprehensive review of the Container Administrative Charge was undertaken under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), including industry analysis and comparative studies across competing ports in the West African sub-region.
The review also involved consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, trade associations and other stakeholders, including the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana.
Following the review, the Authority announced a regulatory cap of GH¢550 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for the Container Administrative Charge, which was initially expected to take effect on May 1, 2026.
However, the Ministry of Transport later directed a deferment of the implementation to July 1, 2026, while approving an interim regulatory cap of GH¢720 per TEU pending final determination of the matter.
The Authority disclosed that some shipping lines and agents, particularly members of SOAAG, have strongly opposed the directive and have initiated various actions, including petitions, engagements, and legal action seeking an injunction against the implementation of the reforms.
According to the statement, some employees of shipping lines under the Coalition of Concerned Shipping Line Workers have also joined the opposition against the directive.
Despite the resistance, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority said it remains committed to enforcing reforms aimed at eliminating arbitrary pricing practices in the shipping and logistics sector.
“The GSA assures the shipping public that it remains unfazed, resilient and committed to performing its role as a regulator of the commercial shipping industry,” the statement said.
The Authority further indicated that it would vigorously defend any legal challenge aimed at frustrating the implementation of the policy, which it says aligns with government efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The GSA also appealed to stakeholders and the shipping public to remain calm and continue supporting the reform process as discussions and legal processes continue.
