The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating shipping charges at the country’s ports despite mounting opposition and legal action from some shipping lines and agents over the newly introduced Container Administrative Charge (CAC) cap.
In a statement issued on May 20, the Authority said it had undertaken a comprehensive review of the CAC following persistent complaints from importers, exporters, freight forwarders and trade associations about what they described as excessive charges imposed by shipping lines and their agents for cargo release at Ghana’s ports.
The review, according to the GSA, was conducted under its mandate provided by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122). The Authority said the process included industry analysis, comparative studies of competing ports within the West African sub-region, and consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG).
Following the review, the GSA announced a regulatory cap of GH¢550 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for the Container Administrative Charge, originally scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.
However, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, later directed that the full implementation of the revised charges be deferred to July 1, 2026. In the interim, the Minister approved a temporary regulatory ceiling of GH¢720 per TEU pending a final determination on the matter.
The Authority disclosed that some shipping lines and agents, particularly members of SOAAG, strongly opposed the directive and initiated several actions, including petitions and demonstrations by a group identified as the Coalition of Concerned Shipping Line Workers.
According to the statement, the dispute has now escalated into a legal battle after some shipping lines and agents sought an injunction against the implementation of the directive on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Despite the challenge, the GSA said it remains “unfazed, resilient and committed” to carrying out its regulatory responsibilities in the commercial shipping industry.
The Authority added that it would mount a “spirited defence” against any legal attempts aimed at undermining government efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The GSA further appealed to the shipping public and stakeholders to remain calm and continue cooperating with the Authority as discussions and legal processes continue.
Story By: Eric Boateng
