The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) are strengthening collaboration to address concerns over delays in the issuance of permits for selected imports, while ensuring compliance with Ghana’s environmental and public health standards.
The engagement follows recurring complaints received by GSA from shippers and freight forwarders, particularly those involved in the importation of pesticides, agrochemicals, electronic waste and similar products, about delays in obtaining the permits required to facilitate cargo clearance at the country’s ports.
To gain a better understanding of the challenges and explore practical solutions, GSA paid a working visit to the EPA on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss the concerns raised by shippers, clarify regulatory requirements and identify measures to improve the predictability of the permit issuance and cargo clearance processes.
Mr Saeed Foroco, Director of the Chemical Control and Management Centre (CCMC), and Ms Salley Biney, Director of Environmental Assessment and Management at the EPA explained the procedures governing the issuance of permits for products regulated by the EPA.
The EPA team emphasised, that the nature of the products necessitates thorough assessment to safeguard public health and the environment. They also indicated that importers could submit product samples for assessment before placing bulk orders, allowing them to establish whether the products meet the applicable requirements before committing substantial resources to their importation.
The EPA representatives stressed that products that fail to satisfy the required health and environmental standards would not be permitted onto the Ghanaian market. These measures, they explained, are essential to ensuring that trade activities do not compromise public safety and environmental protection.
On its part, GSA reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of shippers and service providers to promote an efficient, predictable and transparent cargo clearance process. GSA noted that engagements with regulatory institutions such as EPA provide valuable insight into applicable regulatory procedures, that enables GSA to offer accurate guidance on compliance requirements and help minimise avoidable delay in cargo clearance.
GSA also noted complaints received from importers concerning delay in obtaining permits for EPA-regulated products and noted that a clearer understanding of EPA’s assessment procedures and documentation requirements would help GSA guide affected stakeholders and reduce the risk of avoidable delay and associated costs.
Both institutions agreed to strengthen collaboration and provide regular information on current and updated requirements for importing pesticides, agrochemicals, electronic waste and other products under the EPA’s regulatory mandate.
The collaboration is expected to improve awareness of permit procedures, promote greater compliance among importers and contribute to a more predictable cargo clearance environment, while upholding the environmental and public health standards necessary to protect Ghana.
