The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is considering a shift to a cash-and-carry payment system for port-related transactions, following rising concerns over persistent payment defaults by shipping agents and companies.
During a surprise visit to the GMA’s Tema branch, Director-General Dr. Kamal-deen Ali told journalists that the current grace-period arrangement — which allows agents 30 to 45 days to reconcile and settle payments to the GMA, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and other relevant institutions — is being routinely abused.
“This arrangement was designed to ease pressure on importers and allow for smooth goods clearance, especially for ordinary Ghanaians importing personal or commercial cargo,” Dr. Ali explained. “But unfortunately, many agents collect payments from importers and fail to remit the required dues to the Authority.”
He further revealed that in some cases, agents deliberately change their business registration details to evade traceability, making it nearly impossible for the GMA to recover outstanding funds.
“This situation puts our operations at risk,” he warned. “We are a 100% self-financing institution. We receive no government funding. If our revenue is locked up due to defaulters, it undermines our entire mandate.”
While the GMA is hesitant to adopt a strict cash-and-carry policy that could burden importers Dr. Ali said the Authority may be forced to take that route if the current trend continues.
“Our flexible payment system is based on global shipping experience, where international transactions typically take 30 to 45 days to process. But the evidence shows agents are receiving funds and simply not forwarding them to the Authority.”
The GMA says internal consultations are ongoing as they weigh whether to maintain the grace-period arrangement or move toward stricter cash-based enforcement. In the meantime, the Authority is urging shipping agents and other stakeholders to demonstrate integrity and accountability in meeting their financial obligations.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
