Embrace new GSA law – Dr Mbiah
By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
FORMER Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Dr. Kofi Mbiah, has called on stakeholders within the shipping and trade industry to embrace the newly-passed Ghana Shippers Authority Law.
His appeal comes amid concerns raised by groups such as the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Freight Forwarders, and the Importers and Exporters Association, who have urged President Akufo-Addo to delay the signing of the law.
Dr. Mbiah expressed his surprise at the opposition to the law, given the longstanding demands from industry players for greater regulatory oversight. “I have been connected with the industry for some time, and I am very much aware that there have been numerous complaints from the stakeholders themselves. So, it comes as a big surprise if we do not take the opportunity that this new bill offers,” he remarked.
The controversy surrounding the law stems from claims by some stakeholders that they were not adequately consulted during its drafting. However, Dr. Mbiah emphasized the importance of collective agreement, noting that the law provides a framework for resolving many of the industry’s persistent challenges.
“We can’t get something that pleases everybody, but it is important that we streamline. And this act, I believe, does well to streamline what we have been doing so far,” he said.
Addressing concerns about specific provisions in the law, such as the potential introduction of a licensing regime for shippers, Dr. Mbiah clarified that the law merely requires shippers to register, which he does not see as an additional burden. “In this era of legislation, the registry will be at the touch of a button. I don’t think that will be another layer or impediment as far as the process is concerned,” he explained.
Dr. Mbiah also highlighted the importance of credible and authentic transaction values in customs processes, as stipulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO). “The only way customs can rely on transaction values is when they are credible, when they are authentic, and when they are genuine. Because that is the only way they can rely on this,” he noted.
While acknowledging that the new law might not satisfy every stakeholder, Dr. Mbiah urged all parties to focus on the broader goal of bringing sanity to the commercial shipping industry.
“This is a defining moment for the commercial shipping industry. If we want to bring sanity into the system, then we must let this act pass,” he asserted.
In response to concerns about the Ghana Shippers Authority potentially having a dual role as both facilitator and regulator, Dr. Mbiah dismissed the notion of a conflict of interest. “The shippers’ organizations are not shippers themselves, so they can play the role of an arbiter. Where there is a need for them to bring in independent persons, they can form a committee with independent persons on board,” he explained. Dr. Mbiah concluded by urging stakeholders to come together to address any outstanding issues. “If there are issues that we need to sort out with the Ghana Shippers Authority, let’s sit down with them. Let’s dialogue. Let’s look at the way forward. But it is imperative that we sanitize the system, and I believe this act is purposed to do that,” he emphasized.
