The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directive requiring all shipping line charges to undergo parliamentary approval, describing it as a timely and necessary step to help curb inflation driven by import costs.

Prices of goods and services in Ghana could see notable declines in the coming months if the directive is fully enforced, as it aims to eliminate unapproved administrative fees and promote transparency at the ports.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said the move could help resolve longstanding issues in the country’s trade system.

“If the government manages to get Parliament to approve all handling charges and ensure shipping lines comply with the law, it would eliminate duplicate fees,” he explained.

He added that the directive would not only boost morale and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports but also lead to lower prices of goods for consumers.

President Mahama announced the directive on Friday, July 11, 2025, during a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) at the Jubilee House.

The directive follows complaints from freight forwarders about excessive and arbitrary fees charged by shipping lines. These include demands for administrative charges in US dollars per container, even when multiple containers are covered under a single bill of lading.

DR/MA

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