Demonstration set for September 24, against unfair practices of shipping lines in Ghana.
Key stakeholders in the logistics and trade sectors are set to partake in a demonstration on Tuesday, September 24, to protest against the practices of shipping lines operating in Ghana. The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana, the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, and the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana, alongside various other trade associations, will spearhead peaceful demonstrations to shed light on exploitative behaviors by shipping lines within the nation. The demonstration aims to bring attention to a multitude of issues that are believed to have a negative impact on the business environment in Ghana.
Among the primary grievances is the imposition of high charges including local administrative fees, container cleaning fees, and empty container fees. These charges, which are linked to the dollar, are seen as a violation of the regulations set by the Bank of Ghana concerning the pricing of locally provided services. Additionally, as stated by the protesting groups, the exorbitant and unjust fees collected by shipping lines and subsequently sent abroad are depleting Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves. This, they contend, is weakening the local currency and further straining the national economy, making it challenging for Ghanaian businesses to compete both domestically and internationally.
The increased operational costs resulting from the high charges imposed by shipping lines trickle down to consumers, leading to a rise in the prices of imported goods. This situation, they argue, contributes to the already high cost of living in Ghana. The protest organizers have put forth specific demands, including the abolishment of delay charges on weekends and public holidays, refunding businesses for delay fees paid during those periods, compelling shipping lines to negotiate tariffs in compliance with Regulation 5 of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2190), eliminating impulsive fees such as local administrative charges, container cleaning fees, and empty container fees, ensuring that shipping lines offer 24-hour services throughout the week, including weekends and public holidays, to prevent unnecessary delays, and discontinuing the practice of pegging shipping line fees to the US dollar, in alignment with Bank of Ghana regulations.
The protest organizers have appealed to the general public and government authorities to extend their support to the cause. They emphasized that holding shipping lines accountable will not only enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s logistics and supply chain but also contribute to stabilizing the cedi and reducing the cost of goods for consumers. “This is not just an industry issue — it’s a national issue,” the organisers stated, adding that “The outcome of this protest has the potential to reshape the operational landscape of commerce in Ghana, potentially stabilise the exchange rate, significantly increase the standard of living of every Ghanaian, and mitigate the national security ramifications of the cost of living crisis,” the statement noted.
