In a significant move towards climate action, the Ghanaian Parliament has passed the amended Ghana Shippers Authority Bill, 2024, into law. This milestone legislation regulates commercial activities of shippers, promotes transparency in port fees and charges, and enhances accountability in international trade cargo movement. By doing so, Ghana becomes a preferred transit trade channel for its landlocked neighbors and contributes to a more sustainable and climate-resilient shipping industry.
The new law empowers the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to facilitate fair pricing and charges for all stakeholders, protect the interests of shippers and shipping service providers, and improve regulatory oversight of the industry. This drives improved revenue generation and collection for national socio-economic growth while promoting sustainable trade practices.
Ghana Shippers’ Authority CEO, Mr. Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, welcomed the passage of the bill, stating it is a significant step towards effective regulation of transit trade. He emphasized the need for collaboration to address issues and assured stakeholders of fair enforcement.
The bill promotes transparency, accountability, and fair pricing in the shipping industry, contributing to a more climate-resilient global trade system. Ghana’s leadership in this space showcases how climate action can be integrated into national development strategies.
However, the Ghana Shippers Authority recognizes more work is needed to address the climate crisis. The authority has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices and promoting cleaner fuels. It is exploring new initiatives to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, such as investing in renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable transportation modes.
The passage of the Ghana Shippers Authority Bill, 2024, is a critical step towards achieving these goals. By promoting sustainable trade practices and reducing the environmental impact of the shipping industry, Ghana demonstrates its commitment to climate action and sustainable development.
The authority is working to enhance the resilience of Ghana’s ports and shipping infrastructure to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting climate-smart trade practices.
The Ghana Shippers Authority engages with international partners to share best practices and expertise in climate action and sustainable development, participating in global initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the International Maritime Organization’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The passage of the Ghana Shippers Authority Bill, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards climate action and sustainable development, serving as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
