Freight forwarders at the Tema Port are calling on the government to take action against some shipping lines that have increased administrative fees and charges on goods.
According to them, the exorbitant charges do not conform to the International Trade Facilitation Agreement.
In an interview with Joy Business, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight forwarders, Eddie Akrong disclosed that the Minister-Designate of Transport must take up the fight to put a stop to the canker.
Even though the shipping lines have indicated the intention to start charging the new fees from March 1st, the Ghana Shippers Authority has written to the shipping lines to hold on till further engagements the concerned freight forwarders said.
According to Mr. Akrong, the trading laws of the country and international transport policy must be applied.
He therefore believes the country has made some significant investments in its port, which should guarantee a reduction in cost of doing business rather than such increments.
Chairman of the Concerned Freight forwarders Association, Oheneba Kwasi Afawuah in a press Conference hinted that all affected persons at the port have been directed to resist any attempt by the shipping lines to introduce the new charges since it violates the operating laws.
“This so-called increment has no legal backing, has no authorization and is contrary to Ghana Shippers Authority regulations , 2012 (LI 2190). By this release, we are entreating all exporters, importers, freight forwarders and all our partners within the logistics supply chain to disregard the notices of any increases commencing today” he said.
Meanwhile, all efforts by Joy Business to speak to agents of the shipping lines have not been successful.
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