President John Dramani Mahama has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in port operations by directing the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, to review and ensure parliamentary approval for all shipping fees imposed by shipping companies operating in Ghana.
This move aims to eliminate unauthorized charges that have been a burden on importers and traders, increasing operational costs and undermining revenue optimization at the ports. The President emphasized that any levy not backed by law is illegal and that fees and levies must be ratified by Parliament.
Key Highlights of the President’s Directive:
– Immediate Review of Shipping Charges: The Minister of Transport and Attorney General have been tasked to investigate administrative fees levied by shipping lines and ensure only charges approved by Parliament remain in force.
– Parliamentary Approval: The President stressed that no entity can impose fees within Ghana’s jurisdiction without parliamentary approval, emphasizing the need for transparency in port operations.
– Revenue Losses: President Mahama expressed concern over revenue losses at Tema Port despite increased cargo volumes and directed investigations to identify possible revenue leakages.
– Port Infrastructure Improvement: Plans to improve port infrastructure continue under the government’s “Big Push” program, including a $10 billion capital investment over five years.
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) had raised concerns about excessive charges from shipping lines, highlighting issues with administrative fees charged per container. GIFF’s President, Stephen Adjokatcher, noted that some state institutions, like the Ghana Standards Authority, do not operate 24/7, causing delays in clearance processes.
This move is part of President Mahama’s broader vision to rationalize fees at the ports and scrap needless charges that affect importers, as outlined in his manifesto. The goal is to create a more competitive market environment, reduce prices for consumers, and promote economic growth