Freight forwarders have been asked to work within the newly approved rates negotiated with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to enhance the professionalism in their service.
The new rates, which took effect on 1st January, 2023, are not only intended to guide importers and exporters to plan their operations, but also to check the cost of doing business in the country and ensure price predictability for the next two (2) years.
The appeal was made by the 1st Vice President of GIFF, Mr. Paul Kobina Mensah, when he participated in a discussion on the Port and Maritime television programme, ‘Eye on Port’, on Sunday, 8th January, 2023. “Any rate that is not published on the GSA website does not apply, and I urge all freight forwarders to adhere to the approved rates only,” Mr. Mensah noted.
The Head of Freight and Logistics Department of the GSA, Mr. Fred Asiedu Dartey, who was also on the programme, explained that the negotiations were carried out in a manner that would be mutually beneficial to all parties. He added that the rates have been widely published and shippers should ensure not to pay more than the published rates.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulation, 2012, (L.1.2190) mandates the GSA to negotiate charges of shipping service providers on behalf of shippers.
On Tuesday, 29th November, 2022, the CEO of GSA, Ms. Benonita Bismarck, signed the agreed rates on behalf of the GSA, and the 1st Vice President of GIFF, Mr. Paul Kobina Mensah signed it on behalf of freight forwarders.
