The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has announced a cap on Container Administrative Charges imposed by shipping lines and their agents following growing concerns over high port-related fees.
The decision follows months of consultations and a review conducted under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122). According to the Authority, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and trade groups had complained about excessive charges for cargo release at Ghana’s ports.
After stakeholder engagements and comparative studies with other West African ports, the GSA adopted a regulatory framework that maintains the container-based charging system while introducing a pricing ceiling to prevent arbitrary charges.
Under the directive, shipping lines and agents were informed on March 20, 2026, of a new cap of GHS 550 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), originally scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.
However, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe later approved an interim cap of GHS 720 per TEU and deferred the full implementation to July 1, 2026.
The move has been strongly opposed by some shipping lines and agents affiliated with the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana. Reports indicate that petitions, worker engagements, and legal action seeking an injunction against the directive were filed on May 22, 2026.
Despite the opposition, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority says it remains committed to reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports and will vigorously defend its regulatory mandate.
