The Ministry of Transport has developed a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to operationalise the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, disclosed this in a statement read on his behalf at a maritime stakeholder forum organised by the Ghana Chamber of Shipping under the auspices of the ministry.
The one-day event was held on the theme: “Streamlining Ghana’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector for Transparency, Efficiency, and Competitiveness.”
Mr Nikpe stated that the ministry was aware of industry concerns following the passage of the new law and assured stakeholders that the draft regulations were undergoing extensive consultation.
“To address this, a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has been developed to operationalise the Act,” he said, adding that feedback from industry players would be incorporated before implementation.
Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill into law in July 2024 to regulate the commercial activities of shippers and tackle challenges such as unfair and excessive port charges at seaports and land borders.
Outlining the ministry’s strategy, Mr. Nikpe highlighted reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in port operations, reducing the cost of doing business, and boosting Ghana’s competitiveness.
“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,” he stated.
He also announced plans to standardise procedures at the ports and roll out 24-hour operations in collaboration with stakeholders.
Touching on sustainability, the minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Green Voyage 2050 Programme, which aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050.
“While we acknowledge the challenges, this transition also provides opportunities for cleaner fuels, green financing, and inclusive national development,” Mr. Nikpe said.
He assured the private sector of the government’s partnership in national development, pledging continued support for industry-led initiatives and dialogue platforms.
President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, Stanley K. Ahulu, described the chamber—founded in 2018—as a key think tank representing stakeholders in the maritime and shipping sector.
He said the chamber advocates efficient port operations, fosters collaboration, and engages with government and regulators to influence policy for sustainable maritime trade growth.
Source: GNA
