“We urge Government to apply heavy sanctions against any Shipping Line that acts contrarily or attempts to impose such arbitrary charges on Shippers” that’s the latest call from leadership of key business associations in the country over the Terminal Handling Charges (THC) proposed by shipping lines.
This follows an order issued by the Transport Minister representing government to the Shipping lines to totally abolish the Terminal Handling Charges. The business organisations comprise the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM), Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA).
The rest include Private Enterprise Federation (PEF), Ghana Root Crops and Tubers Exporters Union (GROCTEU), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), and the Greater Accra Regional Shipper Committee (GARSC), representing a critical mass of shippers (importers and exporters) and businesses in the country.
They have applauded government for the prompt response to their concern and further urged government to apply sanctions to any shipping line that would flout the minister’s directive.
A statement signed by the Chief Executive of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Seth Twum Akwaboa for and on behalf of all companies also indicated that “any attempt by any Shipping Line to impose the THC or hold Shippers’ cargo unduly must-quickly be brought to the notice of the respective Association with some evidence.
“We the coalition of Associations remain resolute in collective solidarity and will strongly resist any attempt by any Shipping Line to impose such THC. The cupidity as demonstrated by the Shipping Lines to exploit Shippers (importers and exporters) is unfortunate and we expect all parties to respect the Honourable Minister’s directive.”
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey
