The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him not to assent to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024.

The association, representing a broad spectrum of the business community, has raised several critical concerns regarding the new legislation, which they believe needs to be addressed before it becomes law.

In a statement signed by Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA, the association expressed disappointment over the process leading to the passage of the Act by Parliament.

According to GUTA, several key issues were not adequately discussed with stakeholders, particularly concerning the registration of shippers and shipping service providers.

“The Business Community wishes to appeal to the President of the Republic not to assent to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 until some critical issues raised on the Act by stakeholders are resolved. They are as follows:

“The issue of registration of shippers and shipping service providers were not discussed with us to make our input as stakeholders in the shipping industry.

“Submission of notice of shipment was also not discussed with stakeholders for their input. 3. The final draft was issued to stakeholders only after Parliament had approved the Bill.

“Issues raised on the suspension of registration, renewal of certificate of registration, cancellation of registration and outright rejection, which are only related to permits and licenses to operate as importers have not been resolved with stakeholders,” part of the statement said.

GUTA believes this approach undermined their ability to contribute meaningfully to the legislation.

Further concerns were raised regarding the suspension of registration, renewal of certificates, cancellation of registration, and outright rejection of permits and licenses necessary for importers to operate.



AM/OGB

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