The Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG) has warned shipping lines and their agents to desist from imposing administrative charges above the GH¢720 cap prescribed by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA).
The Association has threatened a legal and regulatory action, if these arbitrary additions are not abated.
This warning further exacerbates the dispute over port charges, with the Association arguing that the continuous non-compliance with the directive undermines the rule of law, increasing the cost of trade and places an unnecessary financial burden on importers and freight forwarders.
In a statement issued by FFAG on Tuesday, July 30, 2026, it says the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana’s (SOAAG) quest to legally counter the GSA’s directive failed at the Accra High Court and should apply the new model as expected.
“FFAG has become aware that the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) sought an injunction to restrain the implementation of the GSA’s directive on the cap of GH¢720.00 on container administrative charges. That the said application has since been dismissed by an Accra High Court.”
According to FFAG, any continued collection of charges above the prescribed ceiling by the regulator is a matter of serious concern for the trading community.
“If SOAAG and its members or constituent entities continue to impose charges contrary to the GSA directive, FFAG will pursue all lawful avenues available to protect the interests of freight forwarders, importers and the wider trading community,” the Association said in a statement.
The Association, beyond issuing of directives, has asked the GSA to ensure strict enforcement of the charge cap, explaining that its intended options could include additional regulatory interventions, administrative action and legal proceedings.
Beyond its warning to shipping lines, FFAG is urging the Ghana Shippers Authority to move beyond issuing directives and ensure strict enforcement of the charge cap.
“FFAG specifically urges the GSA to consider taking the necessary steps to cite SOAAG for contempt of court, where the legal requirements for such an action are satisfied.”
The Association further argues that failure to enforce the directive could weaken confidence in Ghana’s regulatory framework and judicial system.
It is also calling on the GSA to assess whether continued non-compliance amounts to contempt of court and, where legally justified, initiate the necessary legal processes against offending entities.
“FFAG consequently calls upon SOAAG and all affected shipping lines, agents and other operators to immediately desist from any charges that are inconsistent with the applicable GSA directive and to conduct their operations in accordance with the laws and regulatory requirements of Ghana,” portions of the statement contained.
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