The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and the Committee of Freight Forwarder Associations (CoFFA) have agreed on new shipping rates for the next two years.
This is in accordance with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulation, 2012, (L.1.2190) which mandates the Authority to negotiate charges of Shipping Service Providers on behalf of shippers.
The agreement followed a series of negotiations between the two bodies where proposed individual line items and justifications were thoroughly examined by the GSA to ensure that the levels of the charges were commensurate with the service being provided
The new freight forwarding rates which would commence in January 2023 would guide importers and exporters to plan their operations and also help check the cost of doing business in the country whilst ensuring price predictability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Ms Benonita Bismarck, implored Freight Forwarders to abide by the new rates to create a congenial business environment.
“We have gone through a tough time to get to these rates, which as we agreed, is commensurate with the services you render to importers and exporters. What we hope for is that your members would not charge more than this but feel free to charge less per the relationship you have with your customers,” she stated.
On his part, the Vice President for the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Peter K. Mensah, who signed on behalf of the Freight Forwarders expressed gratitude to the GSA for the openness and fairness at all levels of negotiation.
He promised that Forwarders would comply with the agreed rates with the good faith that characterized the negotiations.
“It is for the good of not only the sector but the nation at large. A better economy would translate into profits. We would want to offer our customers the chance to also recognize the professionalism we bring to the table. We also want to use this to check our members and caution the public to be wary of the activities of fake Forwarders.”
The rates for the services of the De-consolidator are yet to be finalized for implementation.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
