The Coalition of Freight Forwarders in Ghana on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, embarked on a protest against shipping lines over administrative charges and other exorbitant fees they pay.

The demonstration highlighted the growing discontent among stakeholders and the average citizen, who are adversely affected by the high cost of doing business in the country.

Addressing the media after submitting their petitions to various shipping lines, including Grimaldi Ghana Limited and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Chairman of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders at Tema, Johnny Mantey, told GhanaWeb's Ernestina Serwaa Asante that the demonstration aimed to compel the shipping lines, their principals and agents, as well as policymakers, to address these longstanding issues that continue to hamper the growth of the local economy.

He emphasized that his organization remains committed to ensuring that commerce in Ghana adheres to the highest standards and that services provided are efficient, fair, and cost-effective.

Below is a compilation of the demands of the freight forwarders:

1. Abolishment of all arbitrary and unjustifiable fees, including local administrative charges, container cleaning fees, empty container fees, among others.

2. Abolishment of demurrage charges on weekends and holidays.

3. Negotiation of shipping lines' charges with the Ghana Shippers' Authority as required by the Ghana Shippers' Authority Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2190).

4. Refund of all unjustified fees previously collected from shippers and freight forwarders.

Provision of 24-hour services seven days a week by shipping lines to eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure the timely processing of goods, especially during weekends and public holidays.

5. Cessation of customs house brokerage services by shipping lines.

6. Cessation of the practice of charging fees in dollars.

The Coalition of Freight Forwarders in Ghana is looking forward to actions being taken by the shipping lines and all key stakeholders within the next fourteen days.

SA