Ghana’s New Shipping Law Cuts Port Fees and Boosts Transit Trade Efficiency

Ghana recently enacted amendments to its 50-year-old shipping law in a bid to address excessive port fees and enhance the country’s position as a preferred transit route for landlocked neighbors. Key trade associations in Ghana have expressed optimism about the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) law, believing it will streamline operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and regulate fees charged by the country’s ports. The law aims to empower regulators to protect the interests of shipping lines, maritime-service providers, and the wider business community.

The new legislation seeks to regulate commercial activities of shippers, targeting unfair charges that have burdened traders using Ghana’s sea and airports, as well as land borders for international trade. By negotiating and approving all charges in the commercial shipping sector, including port fees and handling charges, the law aims to position Ghana as a preferred transit trade channel for neighboring countries. This strategy is expected to boost the sector’s financial contribution to the economy.

Dr. Joseph Obeng, president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), is hopeful that the implementation of the new law will reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana. The law’s introduction of transparency in fee determination should ensure fair pricing and accountability, ultimately lowering business costs at the ports. The Ghana Shippers’ Authority, established 50 years ago, is confident that the new law will enhance the regulation of transit trade, promoting efficiency and competitiveness in international trade.

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