By Prince Antwi
Copyright ghanaguardian
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured the business community that the newly passed Ghana Shippers Authority (Amendment) Act will lower the cost of doing business at the country’s ports, providing much-needed relief for importers and exporters.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Mr. Nikpe explained that the legislation expands the mandate of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), equipping it with stronger regulatory powers to curb arbitrary charges, protect shippers from unfair practices, and improve overall efficiency in port operations.
“The Ghana Shippers Authority Act will significantly reduce the cost of doing business at our ports by ensuring fairness and eliminating arbitrary charges. This reform is central to our commitment to improving Ghana’s competitiveness in international trade,” he stated.
Under the new law, the GSA will be able to negotiate freight charges, mediate disputes, and enforce compliance among shipping service providers. The government hopes this will ease longstanding frustrations over excessive demurrage fees, multiple tariffs, and delays in the clearing process.
Mr. Nikpe underscored that cutting costs at the ports is vital for Ghana’s development, noting that the facilities handle about 80 percent of the country’s international trade.
“When shippers save money at the ports, it translates into lower costs for goods and services across the economy. This directly benefits ordinary Ghanaians,” he said.
Infrastructure and operational improvements
Construction of the Akatechiwa Fleet Park along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor to ease congestion and improve truck turnaround time at border posts.
Reactivation of Dock 2 at the Tema Shipyard to expand ship repair services and create jobs for Ghanaian artisans and engineers.
Award of a dredging contract to China Harbor Engineering Company to deepen sections of the Tema Port, enabling larger vessels to dock and helping lower freight costs.
Deployment of a 24-hour maritime surveillance system to tackle piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing within Ghana’s territorial waters.
The Minister emphasized that the reforms form part of the government’s wider “Resetting Ghana Agenda” aimed at modernizing the transport sector—spanning road, rail, aviation, and inland waterways.
“Our goal is to make Ghana’s transport system safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. The Shippers Authority Act is a game-changer because it directly tackles the cost burden that businesses and consumers have complained about for years,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe assured stakeholders that the government will continue to work closely with the private sector to ensure the reforms deliver tangible cost savings and improve Ghanaian businesses’ competitiveness in the global market.
