The government has begun efforts to amend the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act following complaints about unfair shipping charges at Ghana’s ports.

In May, the Chamber of Freight and Trade expressed discontent about the fluctuations in port fees, particularly demurrage. Speaking during the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 20, the President of the Chamber, Mr Dennis Amfo Sefa, complained bitterly about the lack of regulation, particularly in how private shipping companies charge importers.

One of the major issues he addressed was demurrage, which is charged in dollars in Ghana. Demurrage is a fee or penalty charged when goods or containers stay too long at a port, terminal, or with a shipping line beyond the agreed free time. According to him, BoG has no rules that regulate how these shipping lines operate as far as the exchange rate is concerned.

“The shipping lines are not under any obligation to use the BoG rate. Some use interbank rates from their banks. Others lock in a rate and review it monthly. This lack of uniformity creates serious challenges for importers. We’ve complained for years, but the Shippers Authority isn’t doing enough. Shipping lines are left to do whatever they want, and it’s hurting business,” the President fumed.

In response, the Ship Owners and Agents Association clarified that their exchange rate calculations are based on prevailing rates at the port of origin when vessels depart for Ghana, in line with standard international shipping practices, rather than rates published by the Bank of Ghana.

This outcry helped trigger the Transport Ministry’s push to amend the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act for stronger oversight and dispute resolution.

During an appearance on the same platform on Thursday, October 2, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nipke, disclosed that the planned legal reforms would strengthen the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s ability to regulate port operations.

“I have been on the move to ensure that we get the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act amended, which will give them the mandate to be able to control the activities at the port and also regulate the work of the shipping lines properly,” he stated.

He expressed optimism in getting the amendment done as soon as possible, as he disclosed that the cabinet has approved the Act’s amendment and currently awaits the reconvening of Parliament to be presented to the House. This, he said, will empower the Shippers Authority to regulate businesses at the port as it should be.

“Some of our laws were not helping in controlling those issues. But thank God the cabinet has approved the amendment, and when parliament reconvenes, it will be laid in parliament. That will give the Ghana Shippers’ Authority the power to regulate and also fix charges at the port. When that happens, they will also have the power to bring down the cost of doing business at the port and run the place effectively,” he added.

If passed, the amendment is expected to enhance clarity in port operations, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business for importers and exporters.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, in July, charged his legal team to take on individuals and bodies disseminating claims about him leading recruitment exercises at the authority he heads.

His legal counsel and other lawyers were reported to have begun action that week.

In a post on social media, Professor Gyampo noted that his attention had been drawn to such claims and could not stay quiet as such "lies" fester to tarnish his image despite calls for his silence over the matter.

"I plead that I am allowed to respond, not to the grand scheme against me because of my vociferousness against bad governance in the previous regime, but merely as a way to set the records straight," he wrote.

Setting the record straight, he added, "I have not recruited 28 women and two men as alleged."

Professor Gyampo explained that he is not in charge of recruitment, adding that "Recruitment over the years, I am told, has been done professionally by a private outsourced agency that follows a rigorous selection process."

He also rebuffed reports of travelling first class or business class during his business trips.

"I have never travelled in First Class or Business class. I remain the only CEO in Ghana who travels on an ECONOMY TICKET. Again, the evidence of my boarding passes for all four trips is there"

"Part of my work requires that I travel, and out of the over 38 opportunities, I have only honoured 4, and these were with the expressed approval and permission from the Chief of Staff. Anyone can check for the evidence," he shared.

Meanwhile, Professor Gyampo has reiterated his commitment to sharing his take on "national issues while focusing on my core job of championing the interest of shippers forcefully and proactively.""I assure all that I know the public confidence in me and I won’t do anything to betray the trust reposed in me. All must also be assured that baseless allegations have never been enough to silent me," he added.

The appointment, made by President John Dramani Mahama this year, saw Prof. Gyampo succeed Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, who was appointed by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government in December 2024.

Prof Gyampo, while engaging relevant stakeholders in March, noted that GSA is very keen on ensuring a conducive business environment for all players in the shipping and logistics sector to thrive, as their success holds great benefits for Ghana’s economic fortunes.

A month later, he suspended non-essential foreign travel at the authority. In cases where travel is approved, every staff member, including himself, must fly economy class. He also halted payment of certain staff incentives.

Also, existing contracts at the Authority have been scrutinised, with some renegotiated or terminated altogether to ensure better value for money.