GIFF and ACHAG Launch Protest Against Shipping Lines’ Fees.

Accra: The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana (ACHAG), and various allied trade associations have initiated a three-day protest targeting shipping lines that have refused to review certain shipping costs and procedures.According to Ghana News Agency, the protest follows the associations' actions on September 24, where they demanded an end to the illegitimate fees imposed by shipping lines on Ghanaian traders. They issued a 14-day ultimatum for the shipping lines to address what they view as exploitative charges and unfair business practices. Mr. Kwabena Ofosu Appiah, former President of GIFF, stated at a press conference that the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) responded to their protest letter but did not show any inclination towards addressing their demands, denying any wrongful conduct that amounted to exploitation.Mr. Appiah emphasized the need for the abolition of arbitrary fees, the termination of demurrage charges on we ekends and holidays, and the provision of round-the-clock services by the shipping lines to prevent unnecessary delays. He highlighted that SOAAG's response included an illogical distinction between pegging fees against a foreign currency and charging in that currency, arguing that the financial outcome remains the same due to fluctuating exchange rates.The former GIFF President criticized the shipping lines for not taking corrective actions, interpreting this as a sign of their willingness to continue profiting at the expense of the Ghanaian economy. He announced plans for a series of picketings at the premises of various shipping lines, including Hapag-Lloyd, Arkas, Hull Blyth, PIL, and Cosco, to serve as a reminder of the community's frustrations and determination to see these fees abolished.Mr. Appiah praised President Akufo-Addo for approving the Ghana Shipper's Authority (GSA) Act 2024, hoping the protest would lead to effective enforcement of the law to facilitate business operations at the ports. He called on the government and relevant authorities to intervene decisively and abolish all illegitimate fees to protect Ghana's trade and logistics sectors from further exploitation.He concluded by asserting that GIFF would persist in holding the shipping lines accountable, aiming to end exploitative practices and secure a fair trading environment for Ghana's trade community.