The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has expressed disappointment at the stance of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) regarding the much-anticipated presidential assent of the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) law.
The law, which was passed three weeks ago, awaits the approval of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The AGI argues the GSA law is designed with the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry and should be embraced by the entire business community to benefit the sector and the wider economy.
Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of AGI, expressed surprise at GUTA’s opposition to the GSA law and emphasized the law’s potential to bring significant positive changes, particularly in addressing arbitrary clearing charges at Ghana’s ports.
“The GSA Act will reduce significantly if not eliminate, arbitrary clearing charges at the ports, and will empower the GSA to act on behalf of the State to hold all players accountable,” Dr. Ayim-Darke explained.”
“It would make those who engage in unfair business practices that abuse the rights of shippers accountable for their acts, which in the long run negatively impacts the consumer who patronizes goods and services in the country,” he said.
Dr. Ayim-Darke dismissed claims that the law would stifle businesses, arguing that it would empower Indigenous Ghanaian businesses in the commercial shipping and logistics sector.
“Rather than stifle businesses, the GSA law will empower indigenous Ghanaian businesses to play a meaningful role in the commercial shipping and logistics sector,” he said.
The AGI has urged stakeholders in the industry to use dialogue to address any concerns they may have with the law.
According to Dr. Ayim-Darke, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority initiated engagement with stakeholders immediately after the law was passed, and this should be the avenue for resolving any issues.
“The engagement with stakeholders of the industry, which the GSA started just a day after the law was passed, should be leveraged by all concerned to address any concerns they have or envisage,” he said.
The AGI has respectfully called on President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the GSA law as soon as possible, indicating that it would enhance Ghana’s status as a competitive trading destination and transit route for international trade.
The AGI believes that the new law will guarantee beneficial progress for Ghana’s commercial trading sector, ensuring that all players adhere to fair practices and enhancing the overall efficiency of the industry.