The Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG) has criticised shipping lines for allegedly continuing to impose container administrative charges above the GH¢720 cap set by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), despite a recent court decision on the matter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, FFAG said it was concerned about the continued application of charges beyond the approved limit and described the development as a disregard for regulatory authority and the rule of law.
The association said the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) had sought an injunction at the Accra High Court to prevent the implementation of the GSA directive on the GH¢720 cap, but the application was dismissed.
According to FFAG, the dismissal of the injunction means there is no legal basis for treating the GSA directive as suspended.
“The continued charging of fees in excess of the prescribed cap, therefore, is a matter of serious concern to the freight forwarding community and the wider trading public,” the association stated.
FFAG stressed that no company, association or commercial interest should operate above Ghana’s laws, directives issued by competent regulatory bodies or decisions of the courts.
The association argued that continued disregard for the GSA directive could undermine confidence in Ghana’s regulatory and judicial institutions and increase the cost of doing business for importers and exporters.
Call for enforcement
FFAG has called on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to take immediate steps to enforce the GH¢720 container administrative charge cap and ensure compliance by shipping lines and agents.
The association also urged the GSA to consider informing the High Court about any continued actions that may amount to disobedience of the court’s processes or decision.
FFAG further said the GSA should consider contempt proceedings against SOAAG if the legal requirements for such action are met.
Impact on importers
The freight forwarders warned that continued charges above the approved cap could increase the cost of cargo clearance and add further pressure on businesses involved in international trade.
It said freight forwarders and importers are already facing significant costs, and additional charges create uncertainty within Ghana’s trade facilitation system.
FFAG maintained that it would not accept the continued imposition of charges above the approved limit as normal business practice and would explore further regulatory and legal options to protect the interests of its members and the wider trading community.
The association called on shipping lines, agents and other operators to comply with the GSA directive and respect Ghana’s regulatory and judicial processes.
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