The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) welcomes the recent High Court ruling dismissing the application for an interlocutory injunction filed by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) together with certain shipping lines seeking to halt the implementation of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) Container Administrative Charge (CAC) Regulatory Directive.
This decision confirms that the Regulatory Directive issued by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority on 11 May 2026 remains in force and is legally binding on all stakeholders within the shipping and logistics industry. The Association views the ruling as a significant milestone in strengthening regulatory compliance, promoting fairness, and safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and the wider business community.
For several years, the Association has consistently raised concerns over the continued imposition of excessive Container Administrative Charges by shipping lines. Although these charges were introduced under circumstances that existed at the time, the justification for their continued application has long ceased to exist. Their persistence has unnecessarily increased the cost of imports and exports, placed additional financial pressure on businesses, and contributed to higher consumer prices across the country.
Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority exercised its statutory mandate by issuing the Regulatory Directive of 11 May 2026, setting an interim cap of GH₵720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) pending the completion of broader stakeholder engagements to determine a final regulated charge. The directive was designed to provide immediate relief to the trading community while ensuring fairness and balance within Ghana’s maritime sector.
Despite the issuance of this lawful directive, reports indicate that some shipping lines continued to collect Container Administrative Charges above the approved cap while legal proceedings were ongoing. This resulted in many importers and exporters paying amounts significantly higher than those permitted under the directive.
With the Court having affirmed the continued validity of the directive, the Association believes there is no longer any legal or regulatory basis for charging beyond the approved GH₵720 per TEU.
The IEAG therefore calls on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to immediately intensify enforcement of the directive and ensure that every regulated entity complies fully with its provisions. Regulatory directives issued under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act must be respected and enforced consistently across the industry.
The Association further urges the Authority to require every shipping line and shipping agent that collected Container Administrative Charges above the approved limit from 11 May 2026 onwards to account for those collections and refund all excess payments to the affected importers and exporters. Where appropriate, a transparent mechanism should be established to facilitate verification and reimbursement of all affected businesses.
Allowing regulated entities to retain monies collected contrary to a valid regulatory directive would undermine confidence in the country’s regulatory framework and weaken efforts to promote fairness and accountability within Ghana’s shipping industry.
The Association also encourages the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to utilise all enforcement measures available under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) against any shipping line or shipping agent found to have deliberately disregarded the directive. Regulatory compliance is fundamental to maintaining integrity, transparency, and investor confidence in Ghana’s maritime and logistics sector.
IEAG further calls upon the Ministry of Transport to continue supporting the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in carrying out its regulatory responsibilities effectively. A strong, independent, and well-supported regulator is essential for protecting the interests of Ghanaian traders and ensuring a competitive and transparent shipping environment.
The Association remains firmly committed to advocating policies and reforms that reduce the cost of doing business, improve efficiency at Ghana’s ports, strengthen trade competitiveness, and protect businesses from unfair commercial practices.
The High Court’s decision marks an important step toward reinforcing the authority of regulators and ensuring that lawful directives are respected throughout the shipping industry. IEAG remains committed to working with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, government institutions, and industry stakeholders to build a fair, transparent, efficient, and globally competitive maritime and logistics sector that contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.
Issued by:
Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG)
Secretariat
