Accra: Members of the National Association of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators, Ghana (NAHEOG), led by its president Dominic Kofi Eyiah, have petitioned the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) for urgent reforms. The group is advocating for measures to address port safety risks, enhance transparency in the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs auction process, improve professionalism among freight forwarders and National Security Operatives at the ports, and extend free days for heavy-duty equipment.
According to Ghana Web, the petition was presented during a meeting held in Accra where NAHEOG members pressed for stronger regulatory interventions to alleviate operational challenges that lead to increased costs and delays for importers. The association suggested extending the current seven-day free period for clearing goods to ten days to boost shippers' competitiveness and proposed incentive-based rebates, such as discounts for importers who clear goods within three to five days, to alleviate port congestion.
Safety concerns were also a major focus, particularly at the Golden Jubilee Terminal in Tema, where operators reported hazardous conditions for clearing agents and other port users. They cited risks of accidents involving heavy machinery and the recurring theft of components like batteries, headlights, side mirrors, and spare tyres from imported equipment.
The meeting delved into the auctioning of uncleared goods after the statutory 60-day period. NAHEOG advocated for original importers to be given the right of first refusal before auctions and recommended an independent audit mechanism to oversee auctions conducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Operators also questioned the professionalism of some Customs House Agents (CHA) and National Security Operatives at the ports, alleging misconduct, extortion, and inadequate accountability.
Monica Josiah, Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at GSA, reiterated the authority's mandate under the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), to regulate the commercial activities of shippers. She informed that a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I) had been submitted to the Ministry of Transport to operationalise some aspects of the Act, which would enhance GSA's regulatory oversight of the commercial shipping sector.
Josiah explained that the disposal of uncleared goods is governed by Customs laws to prevent revenue loss and port congestion. However, she acknowledged complaints about the process's transparency and noted that a multi-stakeholder committee chaired by GSA had reviewed the existing disposal process, with recommendations for improved transparency pending implementation.
Regarding the extension of free days, she advised NAHEOG members to secure more free days at the origin before shipment to reduce demurrage costs at the destination. She urged shippers to document incidents at the port with evidence and lodge complaints promptly for resolution, adding that some concerns require consultative fora with relevant stakeholders.
Josiah reaffirmed GSA's commitment to fostering transparency, competitiveness, and efficiency in Ghana's shipping sector. She mentioned that, as part of GSA's activities for 2026, NAHEOG members would be educated on shipping procedures and their rights under Act 1122. To further assist in resolving complaints, a dedicated virtual platform was established to facilitate communication between GSA and NAHEOG.