The CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Mr. Baffour Okyere Sarpong assures shippers it has already began the process of engaging the requisite industry service providers and stakeholders to ensure that the delays in clearing their goods caused by disruptions in internet services will not result in additional fees and charges for them. The GSA will intensify engagements with relevant stakeholders to prevent shippers from experiencing any negative consequences.
The assurance comes in response to complaints from shippers who are facing challenges in the clearance process due to the automated nature of the system. Shippers were concerned that their goods would be subjected to demurrage and rent charges unfairly. Speaking on behalf of the CEO of GSA Mr. Baffour Okyere Sarpong, the Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation Department Mrs. Monica Josiah stated that the GSA is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of shippers.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Mr. Baffour Okyere Sarpong.
She emphasized that if the delays in the clearing process are not occasioned by the shipper, the GSA will make a case for the shipper to ensure they are not overburdened with cost.
“The position of GSA is that where shippers’ omission or commission does not occasion delays in the shipping and clearing of cargo, shippers should not pay for delays”, she noted.
She said that “on Thursday 14th March 2024 the GSA held a stakeholder meeting following complaints that were received about service disruptions at the ports. The stakeholders agree that if the delays are not occasioned by the shipper, the cost is not supposed to be borne by the shipper”.
Mrs. Josiah reassured the business community that the GSA will continue to collaborate with the appropriate stakeholders to advocate for shippers whose clearance or shipment activities have been impacted by the disruption of internet services.
She encouraged importers, exporters, and stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry to report any challenges they may encounter in their shipping activities to the GSA at its Head Office at Ridge in Accra, Branch Offices at Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale or any of its Shipper Complaints and Support Units (SCSU) dotted at the country’s entry points for resolution. (info@shippers.org.gh, +233 302-666915-7, Facebook & Instagram-Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and X- @shippersgh)
