Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, has requested that shipping line charges in the sector be predictable, competitive, transparent, and uniform.
In his familiarisation meeting with the leadership of the Shipowners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) in Accra, he called for an objective approach based on data as well as regional and global industry best practices.
According to him, such as approach would ensure that costs and service standards provided by shipping lines to Ghana’s shipping community were more transparent, equitable and justifiable.
“It’s about time pragmatic measures are put in place to ensure pricing and freight rates standardization, pricing transparency, and pricing predictability to guide business operations of shippers,” he emphasised.
Mr. Baffour Sarpong proposed a standing working group between the authority and shipping lines to meet regularly in order to gradually resolve concerns and challenges expressed by shippers.
He was confident that with regular engagements—and with each side armed with their supporting data—most of the prevailing challenges in the industry could be tackled objectively.
Vice President of SOAAG, Adam Imoru Ayarna, in his brief remarks, reiterated the importance of dialogue and constant communication on all matters to ensure a cohesive sector.
He reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the integrity of their globally renowned brands, stressing the paramount importance of brand integrity.
He highlighted their strict adherence to regulations and compliance with legal frameworks in the countries where they operate.
Addressing the misconceptions about the illegality of certain charges, he emphasised that no illegitimate fees are imposed on clients, with all practices aligning closely with established regulations and conducted transparently.
On her part, the Executive Secretary of SOAAG, Perpetual Osei-Bonsu, said shipping lines strive to hold themselves to high professional standards in all their dealings with the shipper.
She applauded the GSA for its regular shipper sensitization and education, which has helped to enlighten shippers and enhance operations in the sector.