News Desk Report
Accra, Ghana – The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has welcomed a High Court ruling affirming the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s (GSA) Container Administrative Charge (CAC) Regulatory Directive, calling for immediate enforcement of the directive and refunds for importers and exporters who were charged above the approved rate.
In a statement, the association described the court’s decision dismissing an interlocutory injunction application filed by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and some shipping lines as a major victory for the rule of law and regulatory certainty in Ghana’s maritime sector.
According to the IEAG, the ruling confirms that the GSA’s Regulatory Directive, issued on 11 May 2026, remains valid and enforceable, paving the way for the implementation of a cap of GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) on Container Administrative Charges.
The association said the directive was introduced following extensive stakeholder consultations to provide immediate relief to importers and exporters who had long complained about excessive administrative charges imposed by shipping lines.
It noted that despite the directive, some shipping lines continued to charge fees above the approved cap while the matter was pending before the courts, increasing the cost of doing business and placing additional financial burdens on traders.
“The High Court’s decision is a significant victory for thousands of Ghanaian importers, exporters, freight forwarders and businesses who have borne the burden of excessive and unjustified Container Administrative Charges over the years,” the statement said.
The IEAG is now urging the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to begin strict enforcement of the directive without delay, stressing that regulatory directives issued under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act must be binding on all industry players.
The association further called on the Authority to compel shipping lines and shipping agents that collected charges above the approved GH¢720 per TEU from 11 May 2026 onwards to refund the excess amounts to affected importers and exporters.
It proposed that where necessary, excess collections should be paid into a designated account managed by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to facilitate transparent verification and reimbursement.
According to the IEAG, allowing shipping companies to retain funds collected contrary to a valid regulatory directive would undermine public confidence in the country’s shipping regulator and reward non-compliance.
The association also urged the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to invoke all enforcement mechanisms available under the **Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122)** against any shipping line or agent found to have deliberately violated the directive.
In addition, the IEAG called on the Ministry of Transport to provide the Ghana Shippers’ Authority with the institutional, legal and political support needed to effectively regulate the shipping industry and safeguard the interests of Ghanaian traders.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Authority and other stakeholders to promote transparency, reduce the cost of doing business, improve Ghana’s trade competitiveness and strengthen accountability within the country’s shipping and logistics sector.
The association said the High Court’s ruling should mark a turning point in ensuring greater compliance with regulatory directives and restoring confidence in Ghana’s maritime industry.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
