Ghana Will Enforce Shipping Regulations Despite Pushback – Prof. Gyampo
Shippers Authority vows firm enforcement of Ghanaian laws amid resistance from international shipping lines
- Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called out international shipping lines operating in Ghana for resisting regulatory oversight
- Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called out international shipping lines operating in Ghana for resisting regulatory oversight
- Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed the Authority’s resolve to enforce regulatory measures in the shipping sector
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called out international shipping lines operating in Ghana for resisting regulatory oversight, asserting that the authority will not relent in enforcing the country’s laws.
His remarks came after the Chamber of Freight and Trade raised concerns over the inconsistent exchange rates used by shipping lines in calculating demurrage and other port charges. According to Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber, this inconsistency poses major challenges for importers.
“Shipping lines are not mandated to use the Bank of Ghana (BoG) rate. Some rely on interbank rates from their respective banks, while others fix rates monthly. This lack of standardization affects importers adversely,” Sefa said.
Responding to the concern, the Ship Owners and Agents Association explained that their rates are typically based on the exchange rate at the port of origin at the time a vessel sets sail for Ghana— a common global practice.
However, Prof. Gyampo, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 22, insisted that such practices cannot override Ghana’s regulatory standards.
“Some of these shipping lines don’t want to be regulated, even though they operate within Ghana. They expect to do business on their own terms. But under my leadership, that will not happen. We will apply Ghana’s laws, and they must comply,” he stressed.
Drawing comparisons to regulatory compliance abroad, Prof. Gyampo said, “When we go to other countries, we follow their rules. So why should they come here and expect to operate without adhering to ours?”
Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called out international shipping lines operating in Ghana for resisting regulatory oversight to submit service charges for approval.
“They fought us when we demanded compliance with the law requiring them to submit their service charges. They resisted Parliament, the Shippers Authority, and even the President. But we remain committed to doing what the law mandates. Some of us are too patriotic to let this slide,” he added.
Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed the Authority’s resolve to enforce regulatory measures in the shipping sector to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with Ghanaian laws.
