Accra: The Food and Beverage Industry Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued a warning to shipping lines challenging the regulatory authority of the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), insisting that any company unwilling to comply with national laws should leave the market. In a statement copied to GhanaWeb, FABAG said it had taken note of a lawsuit filed by some shipping lines seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of new regulatory measures introduced by the GSA. The association described the legal action as an attempt to derail reforms designed to protect Ghanaian businesses.
According to Ghana Web, FABAG argued that the lawsuit is 'unfortunate, counterproductive, and detrimental to the broader national interest.' This follows GSA's announcement of container charges at GHS550 which is said to be implemented on July 1, 2026, with a new interim cap of GHS720 approved by the Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe. The group stressed that local industries have long suffered from what it calls unjustified and excessive port and shipping charges.
FABAG, while lauding the GSA, said it has shown leadership in promoting transparency and accountability in the shipping sector. 'The Ghana Shippers' Authority must be allowed to exercise its lawful regulatory mandate without intimidation or obstruction,' the association said. It added that shipping lines must be prepared to operate within Ghana's regulatory framework or exit the market entirely.
FABAG also said shipping charges must be transparent and justified, insisting that stakeholder consultations are essential to prevent arbitrary fees that burden importers and manufacturers. The association called on government agencies, trade groups, labour unions, and civil society to support the GSA's efforts to bring fairness and order to the port and shipping ecosystem.