The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has launched legal proceedings against the Ship Owners and Agents Association and its affiliated shipping entities, accusing them of unauthorized fee imposition and escalating expenses at the ports.The Freight Forwarders claim the shipping entities have been imposing unapproved charges, including fees for container management, processing, evacuation, washing, and demurrage.

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In a legal petition filed on January 20, 2025, and reviewed by Citi Business News, the Freight Forwarders argue that these charges were unlawfully introduced, contrary to directives from the Ghana Shippers Authority to stop additional port fees.The Freight Forwarders want the following reliefs: A declaration that imposing unapproved fees is illegal.A declaration that counting weekends and holidays in demurrage calculations is unlawful.

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An order for the refund of all monies collected through disputed charges.Compensation for costs, including legal fees.Any further relief the court deems appropriate.The Institute has portrayed the legal action as a crucial step to protect consumers and enforce compliance with sector regulations.The case is scheduled to be heard in court in the near future.

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