The Ghana Shippers Authority has emphasized its mandate as a regulatory body in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.
GSA’s clarification was made in a statement which was released on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – setting its clarification on the premise of publicized enquiries recently made of the authority’s mandate and the effectiveness of the GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) passed by parliament and assented by the President in 2024.
The authority indicated that the details of its mandate under the GSA Acts 2024 (Act 1122) are explained to satisfy the curiosity of interested figures and also make key explanations on what was described as factual inaccuracies.
According to the authority, the enforcement of the GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) facilitated its transformation from an advocacy institution to a regulatory authority hence, expanding its objective and broadening the reach of its impact in shaping the modus operandi of the shipping sector in Ghana. “The transformation of the GSA from a purely advocacy institution to a regulatory authority by the passage of Act 1122 (2024) marked a significant milestone in the development of Ghana’s trade sector. The shift reflected a broader national commitment to foster inclusive, transparent, and cost-effective governance of the sector.”
The law also provides the authority with an exclusive duty of regulating and approving all proposed charges, fees and tariffs made by shipping service providers including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators and clearing agents.
The Authority clarified several key points to affirm its regulatory strength and operational transparency. It emphasized that the Act is fully in force and actively guiding operations within the shipping and logistics industry. Since its passage, the GSA has been rigorously regulating charges, requiring all shipping service providers to submit proposed fees for approval before implementation. The Authority has not hesitated to reject unjustified fee hikes, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the interest of shippers and ensuring fair commercial practices across the board.
GSA further explained that its approach to enforcement is rooted in dialogue and investigation rather than conflict. It has been handling complaints from industry players, including recent concerns over forex rate discrepancies, by engaging relevant bodies like the Bank of Ghana to ensure a fair resolution. In drafting the Legislative Instrument to support the Act, GSA has also brought all regulators, service providers, and shipping lines into the fold to promote collective ownership and compliance. Above all, the Authority reaffirmed its dedication to fair, firm enforcement and its vision of positioning Ghana as a leading hub in international trade.
GSA wishes to reecho its mandate as not just a nationwide regulatory body but an active implementer of an active framework to reshape Ghana’s shipping landscape. With continued stakeholder engagement and regulatory oversight, the Authority is building a transparent, efficient, and inclusive shipping environment that stands to benefit the entire trade ecosystem.
