By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Management of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) says it has conducted a thorough investigation into shipping lines’ use of different exchange rates, instead of adhering to the approved Bank of Ghana rate.
“Some shipping lines are using their arbitrary exchange rate; we have done all the investigations and given our findings to the Bank of Ghana,” the CEO of the GSA, Professor Ransford Gyampo, said.
The GSA disclosed that it has submitted its findings to the Bank of Ghana for further action and has called on all shipping lines to comply with Ghana’s regulations.
A statement issued by the GSA also announced that the authority has rejected proposed increases in charges from several shipping lines and ground handlers operating at Kotoka International Airport, stating that the reasons given for the proposed increases were not commercially justifiable.
“Hopefully, management will meet all stakeholders and look at this,” the statement added.
The GSA emphasised that while it has assumed regulatory powers under its expanded mandate through the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), its approach remains inquisitorial rather than adversarial.
“Being mindful that its role as a regulator is not aimed at stifling businesses and international trade in particular, GSA has adopted an inquisitorial rather than adversarial approach,” the statement noted.
As part of its broader enforcement plan, the authority has begun drafting a Legislative Instrument to operationalise Act 1122, incorporating input from all relevant stakeholders, including air, sea, and land transport regulators, terminal operators, and shipping lines.
“This collaborative approach further underscores GSA’s resolve to ensure that enforcement of the law would remain without fear or favour,” the statement concluded.
