The Ministry of Transport has developed a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to operationalise the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, revealed this in a statement read on his behalf at a day’s Ghana’s maritime transport stakeholder forum, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport.
The forum was held on the theme “Streamlining Ghana’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector for Transparency, Efficiency, and Competitiveness.”
Mr. Nikpe stated that they were aware of industry concerns about the recently passed Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
“To address this, a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has been developed to operationalise the Act.”
He added that the ministry was undertaking extensive consultations on the regulations and would ensure industry concerns were fully addressed before implementation.
Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, into law in July 2024, amending the old law and aiming at regulating the commercial activities of shippers and primarily addressing the issue of unfair and excessive port charges and land borders, among others.
He indicated that the ministry’s main strategy was to promote transparency and accountability through policy and regulatory reforms that reduce the cost of doing business.
He announced that they were working to standardise procedures at the ports, adding that together with stakeholders, they were rolling out initiatives such as 24-hour port operations to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
Mr. Nikpe said, “We are also committed to eliminating duplication among agencies in clearance processes, ensuring inspections, approvals, and cargo clearance are transparent, harmonised, and efficient. To this end, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to review port levies and charges to make our ports fair, affordable, and globally competitive.”
The Minister added that Ghana was committed to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Green Voyage 2050 Programme, which seeks net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050.
He noted that through the Ghana Maritime Authority, they were actively participating in the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy and receiving technical support to transition toward sustainable maritime practices.
“While we acknowledge the challenges, this transition also provides opportunities for cleaner fuels, green financing, and inclusive national development,” he added.
Mr. Nikpe said the government considers the private sector as a true partner in national development, promising that the ministry would continue to support forums and initiatives led by industry players such as the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, as they were key to creating a business-friendly environment and unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s maritime industry.
The President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, Stanley K. Ahulu, giving a brief about the chamber, said it was established in 2018 as a key industry think tank that represents stakeholders in the maritime and shipping sector.
The Chamber advocates efficient port operations, fosters collaboration among members, and engages with government and regulators to influence policy and promote sustainable growth in Ghana’s maritime trade.