Parliament has passed the Ghana Shippers Authority Bill 2024 to empower the authority to regulate and standardise shipping charges, fees and requirements imposed by service providers.

A report by the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament in justifying the bill said shippers within the country are fragmented with weak bargaining power against multi-national shipping service providers, exposing them to unfair treatment.

This, the committee said has resulted in the control of the port by multinational companies who end up imposing exorbitant fees on port users, resulting in an increased cost of shipping and trade for local businesses.

The Ghana Shippers Authority Bill will ensure fair and transparent pricing to protect local businesses from exploitative practices.

During Parliamentary proceedings, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin said, “Honourable members, the Ghana Shippers Bill 2024 duly read the third time and passed.”