The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has described the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, as a game changer.
President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, said the passage of the law will allow the Shippers Authority to regulate the commercial activities of shippers.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM He said the law if assented to will address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana’s sea and air ports.
On Monday, July 29, 2024, Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, following its successful 3rd reading on the floor of the House.
The law is expected to introduce transparency in the determination of port fees and charges and, by doing so, ensure that there is accountability in the legal movement of international trade cargo across all of Ghana’s borders.
It further aims to make Ghana a preferred transit trade channel for her landlocked neighbours, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and, overall, enhance the sector’s revenue contribution to the national purse.
Dr. Obeng, reacting to the passage of the law, posited that “this will be a game changer. Previously, there was no control, and so it had been our desire to have a law that would empower the Shippers Authority to monitor the activities of the various shipping lines. The law will also empower the authority to ensure and regulate the charging of fair fees at the ports and borders. It will also ensure controls.”
The new law will empower the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to better adapt to emerging trends and complexities within the shipping and logistics industry, protect the interests of shippers and shipping service providers, and improve its regulatory oversight of the entire industry.
By: Rainbowradioinline.com/Ghana
