The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has assured the business community and the general public of its continuous engagement with stakeholders to address concerns regarding the passage of the Shippers Authority Bill into Law.
In a press release issued by the Authority on Friday, the GSA emphasised its commitment to ongoing stakeholder engagements and collaborative problem-solving to ensure the mutual benefit of all parties involved, particularly the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
It stated that the Authority has been engaging stakeholders since the Shippers Authority Bill was passed and assured its continuous commitment to continuing the discussion in the subsequent days.
“The GSA committed to continuing the discussions it initiated from Tuesday 30th July 2024 with stakeholders including GUTA, on the law, soon as it was passed by Parliament on Monday 29th July 2024, to ensure that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) which will operationalise.
“Our doors remain open to such a collaborative approach to dealing with any issues that affect the mutual good of Ghanaians,” the statement said.
The GSA also made a strong appeal to stakeholders to engage in discussions, particularly as inputs are gathered for the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that would further define the implementation of the law.
The Authority stressed the importance of collective contributions to ensure that the final regulations reflect the needs and interests of all parties.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to remain at the table of discussion, as inputs into the expected L.I. are pooled for the attention of the relevant law drafters and makers,” the GSA urged.
On the issue of the cost implications of the new regulations, which GUTA had expressed concerns over, the GSA noted that it had conducted thorough consultations and is working to minimise any adverse financial impacts on businesses.
In response to concerns about potential delays in shipping processes due to new compliance requirements, the GSA stated that streamlining operations and reducing bottlenecks remains a top priority of the Authority.
The Authority pointed out that the new law includes provisions aimed at improving efficiency at the ports, which should ultimately benefit traders by reducing the time and costs associated with shipping.
Addressing GUTA’s concerns about transparency and the potential for bureaucratic hurdles, it noted that mechanisms are being put in place to ensure transparency in the implementation of the law and that feedback from stakeholders would be continuously sought to refine these processes.
The GSA reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the interests of the shipping and trading communities in Ghana. It called on all stakeholders to maintain open lines of communication and to work together towards a thriving and competitive shipping industry in the country.
The Authority urged stakeholders to embrace the new law as a tool for enabling a profitable commercial shipping business, rather than a hindrance.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
