FABAG Backs Shippers’ Authority, Warns Shipping Lines to Obey Ghana’s Laws or Leave

The Food and Beverage Industry Association of Ghana (FABAG) has thrown its weight behind the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), saying shipping lines that refuse to comply with Ghana’s regulatory laws should exit the market.

In a press release issued on Monday, FABAG said it “unequivocally supports” the GSA’s efforts to curb unjustified and excessive charges imposed by international shipping lines operating in Ghana. The association was responding to reports that some shipping lines have filed suit seeking an injunction against the GSA’s regulatory measures.

“We view this action as unfortunate, counterproductive, and detrimental to the broader national interest,” FABAG stated.

High charges hurting businesses and consumers

The association said Ghanaian businesses, especially in the food and beverage sector, have for years borne the burden of excessive port and shipping-related charges.

“Many of which have significantly increased the cost of doing business and contributed to rising consumer prices,” FABAG noted.

It added that at a time when industries are already grappling with high operational costs, exchange rate instability, inflation, and unfair trade competition, reducing costs for legitimate businesses must be a priority.

Call for transparency and stakeholder consultation

FABAG argued that the GSA is acting within its legal mandate to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in the shipping and logistics sector. Attempts to frustrate these reforms through court action, it said, undermine national efforts to improve Ghana’s business environment and protect local industries.

The association outlined four key positions:
1. The GSA must be allowed to exercise its lawful regulatory mandate without intimidation or obstruction.
2. Shipping charges and related fees must be transparent, justified, and subject to proper stakeholder consultation.
3. The interests of Ghanaian businesses and consumers must take precedence over excessive profit-driven practices.
4. Government must continue supporting reforms to enhance competitiveness at Ghana’s ports and reduce the cost of imports and production.

Broad support urged

FABAG called on government institutions, trade associations, organized labour, and civil society to back the GSA’s push for fairness and order in the shipping and port sector.

“The Food and Beverage Industry Association remains committed to constructive engagement and will continue to advocate policies that protect businesses, jobs, investments, and consumers in Ghana,” the statement said.

The development comes amid growing tensions between local regulators and international shipping lines over fees and regulatory oversight at Ghana’s ports.