The Trader Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has expressed surprise over recent calls from certain stakeholders urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to withhold his assent to the newly passed Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) Law.
TAGG emphasized the importance of the law and expressed its confidence in the GSA’s ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders and address concerns surrounding its implementation.
In a statement, TAGG noted that the GSA has been actively consulting with stakeholders since the day after the law was passed, and has demonstrated a commitment to continuous dialogue.
It expressed shock at claims of some stakeholders because the GSA started engaging stakeholders the day after the law was passed and has continued its dialogue on how the law will be implemented to make Ghana an attractive and competitive trading destination.
The group stressed that the GSA has been receptive to feedback from the business community and is actively working to ensure the law’s implementation benefits all parties involved.
“GSA has continuously opened its doors for consultation and engagement on the portions of the law that the business community has expressed concern about,” TAGG added.
It expressed confidence that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), which will give effect to the law, will incorporate input from stakeholders, making the GSA’s operations more effective.
“TAGG believes in GSA’s commitment to ensure that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) will consider all feedback from the business community, allowing the Authority to achieve its purpose. The GSA has demonstrated this commitment through continuous engagement,” the statement continued.
The association further called on the general public to recognize that the new law is designed to serve the interests of multiple stakeholders within the shipping and logistics sector.
It cautioned that any attempt to block the law’s progress would only benefit a select few, rather than the broader trading community.
“The new law is in the interest of multiple stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, and any attempt to stifle it would only serve those who may not have the best interests of traders at heart,” TAGG warned.
TAGG stressed the potential positive impact of the law on Ghana’s global competitiveness in commercial shipping and urged President Akufo-Addo to critically scrutinize the document and expedite action on assenting to the law, which will place Ghana on the international commercial shipping scene.
It also reassured the broader trading community that the law would bring significant benefits for shippers and others involved in commercial shipping.
“To the general trading public, we assure you that the law will lead to better fortunes for shippers and all those in the commercial shipping business,” the association said.
The group encouraged stakeholders with lingering concerns about the Legislative Instrument to continue engaging with the GSA in the ongoing discussions, reiterating that their input would be taken into account.