The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIIF), customs agents, and other concerned stakeholders have issued a 14-day ultimatum to various shipping lines across the country to respond to their petition or face ongoing demonstrations.
On Tuesday, September 24, the groups marched to several shipping lines in Tema, including the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Limited and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), to voice their concerns regarding exploitative charges at the ports.
Speaking at a press conference after the protest, Kwabena Ofosu Appiah, a former president of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, outlined several issues that need to be addressed to avoid further protests.
“We expect positive action on our demands within the next fourteen (14) days, and we rely on the cooperation of all shipping lines and relevant authorities in this matter. Our next steps will be determined by the actions taken during this period.”
The group reiterated its commitment to ensuring that commerce in Ghana adheres to the highest standards, with efficient, fair, and cost-effective services.
GIFF is demanding immediate and decisive action on the following issues:
- Abolishment of all arbitrary and unjustifiable fees, including local administrative charges, container cleaning fees, and empty container fees, among others.
- Abolishment of demurrage charges on weekends and Negotiation of shipping lines’ charges with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority as required by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2190).
- Refund of all unjustified fees previously collected from shippers and freight forwarders.
- Provision of 24-hour services seven days a week by shipping lines to eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure the timely processing of goods, especially during weekends and public holidays.
- Cessation of customs house brokerage services by shipping
- Cessation of the practice of charging fees in dollars.
