The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has disclosed that it refused proposals from some shipping lines and cargo service companies operating at Kotoka International Airport requesting increases in their service charges.

Per a statement, the GSA indicated that the petitioners failed to justify the basis for their proposal.

In response, the GSA emphasized that its role as a regulator will be carried out in a manner that is collaborative, investigative, and not authoritative.

“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.

Earlier, the CEO of GSA, Professor Ransford Gyampo, had accused some members of the group of inflating the prices of their services without approval.

He alleged that some were quoting charges using their unofficial exchange rates instead of the official rate set by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

Prof Gyampo indicated that the Authority has submitted findings following a thorough investigation into the exchange rate practices of some shipping lines.

“Some shipping lines are using their own arbitrary exchange rate; we have done all the investigations and given our findings to the Bank of Ghana. Hopefully, we will all meet and look at this,” he added.

In 2024, the Ghana Shippers' Authority Act, 2024, a pivotal step forward for the nation’s shipping and logistics sector, was signed into law by the then Akufo-Addo government..

Passed by Parliament in July and signed by the President on October 18, 2024, the Act grants the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) enhanced regulatory powers over sea, air, and land transportation.

The goal is to establish a more competitive and balanced framework for commercial shipping within Ghana.

In a statement released on October 31, 2024, the GSA highlighted its strengthened capacity to promote transparent pricing, uphold service standards, and position Ghana as a key hub for global trade.

This legislative milestone coincides with the GSA’s 50th anniversary, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to promoting fair trade practices.

Originally established in 1974 as the Ghana Shippers' Council, the organization rebranded in 1998 to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, aligning with its expanded mission to support a thriving trade environment in Ghana.