- Prof. Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, criticizes international shipping lines for resisting regulatory oversight
- Concerns raised about inconsistencies in exchange rates used by shipping lines to calculate port-related fees
- Past resistance from shipping lines to submit service charges for approval also highlighted
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has accused international shipping lines operating in Ghana of resisting regulatory oversight despite operating within the country’s jurisdiction. His comments came in response to concerns raised by the Chamber of Freight and Trade on Wednesday, May 21, regarding inconsistencies in the exchange rates used by shipping lines to calculate demurrage and other port-related fees.
Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber, pointed out that shipping lines are not obligated to use the Bank of Ghana’s exchange rate, with some opting for interbank rates from their own banks, while others fix a rate and adjust it monthly. This lack of uniformity, he argued, creates significant challenges for importers.
In response, the Ship Owners and Agents Association explained that shipping lines use the exchange rate at the port of origin at the time of departure, not the Bank of Ghana’s rate, in line with international shipping practices. However, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 22, Prof. Gyampo stressed that while these issues could be addressed, there are deliberate attempts by shipping lines to bypass Ghana’s regulatory framework.
“Some shipping lines are resistant to regulation. These are foreign businesses that have come to Ghana to operate, yet they want to set their own rules. But under my watch, this will not happen. We will enforce regulations in line with Ghanaian law,” he stated. He also pointed out that, just as foreign countries require compliance with their regulations, shipping lines must adhere to Ghana’s laws while operating in the country.
Prof. Gyampo also revealed that shipping lines had previously opposed legal provisions requiring them to submit their service charges for approval. “Even in the law that gives us the authority to approve their service charges, they fought against the Ghana Shippers Authority, Parliament, and even the President. They continue to resist policy implementation. However, we are committed to upholding the law for the benefit of Ghana,” he concluded.
