The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has addressed concerns and misconceptions raised by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) regarding the recently amended Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law.
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng expressed concerns about the amended law, including lack of consultation on registration, insufficient discussion on shipment notice submission, late stakeholder involvement, unaddressed permit and license issues, and the reintroduction of the Advanced Shipping Information System.
“We were not adequately consulted, and our concerns were not addressed. We fear this law may stifle businesses and increase costs”, he stated.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, August 23, 2024, GSA clarified and allayed GUTA’s fears, reiterating its commitment to stakeholder engagement and collaboration. The GSA explained that the amended law aims to enhance the shipping industry, not hinder it.
On the issue of registration of shippers and shipping service providers, the GSA clarified that registration is not a licensing regime, but rather a means of identification for efficient processing. Besides, the requirement has been in Ghana’s laws since 1987.
“Registration only means registration, and by no stretch of imagination should it be misconstrued as a licensing regime. This has been explained and discussed with the stakeholders including GUTA. Registration of shippers is not a new introduction; it has always been in the laws of Ghana: Section 1 of L.I. 1347 (1987) and then Section 2 of L.I. 2190 (2012) provided for registration of shippers by the GSA”, the statement in part clarified.
Regarding the issue of submission of notice of shipment, the GSA explained that this requirement has also been in place since 1987 and is necessary for legal shipment notification.
“Section 8 of L.I. 1347 (1987), and then in Section 12 of L.I. 2190 (2012) provide for Shipment Notification by shippers. We believe that where goods are legally shipped, submission of Shipment Notification must not evoke any fear”, the statement in part read.
Responding to the issue of final draft issuance, the GSA assured that stakeholders, including GUTA, were engaged throughout the parliamentary process and that it doors remain open for continued collaboration.
On the issue of permits and licenses, the GSA reiterated that registration is necessary for identification and speed in processing shipments, distinct from a licensing regime.
Touching on the issue of Advance Shipment Information System, the GSA explained that this system is not new, and aims to facilitate pre-arrival clearance processes, reducing avoidable costs. “This is contained in L.I. 2190 (2012), which is currently in force. Under the new law also, it will be operationalized through an L.I., and GSA is currently in ongoing consultations with stakeholders to pool inputs for the yet to be passed L.I.”.
Regarding to the use of L.I. to correct any defect or anomaly in the operationalization of the amended law, the GSA assured that the new L.I. will provide clarity on provisions and align Ghana with global standards, reiterating its commitment to constructive collaboration.
GSA assured that the new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) will provide clarity on provisions and align Ghana with global standards, reiterating its commitment to constructive collaboration. GSA appealed to stakeholders to remain engaged, ensuring the law enables profitable commercial shipping business while aligning with global standards.
