Some shipping lines operating at the country’s ports have defied the directive of the Ministry of Transport to suspend Terminal Handling Charges (THC).
The shipping lines are still imposing the THC on shippers in contravention of the Ministry of Transport’s directive.
The Ministry of Transport on Friday, September 2, 2016, issued a directive for the suspension of the THC proposed by the various shipping lines in Ghana.
However, stakeholders in the shipping industry, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, among others, claim the shipping lines are still imposing the THC on shippers.
Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Ghana Industry (AGI), in a statement signed on behalf of 11 key business associations in Ghana, expressed displeasure about the development and mentioned that the shipping lines were engaged in the illegal act.
The companies, he mentioned, include MSC Ghana Limited, PIL Ghana Limited, CMA CGM Ghana Limited, Maersk Ghana Limited and Intermodal Shipping Agency Ghana Limited.
These companies, he said, do not deserve to continue to do business in the country and should therefore be sanctioned.
Mr Twum-Akwaboah said any attempt by any shipping line to impose THC or hold Shippers’ cargo unduly must quickly be brought to the notice of the respective associations backed with evidence, adding that any importer who made any THC payment after September 2, 2016 when the directive came into effect should put in a claim to the shipping lines/agent for refund.
“It is very worrying how some shipping lines operating in Ghana who were part of the initial meeting chaired by the Minister of Transport, Fifi Kwetey, could blatantly disregard the Ministry’s authority and flout his clear directive that the THC be suspended immediately. These shipping lines are still charging the THC,” he said.
Mr Twum-Akwaboah therefore called on government and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to consider appropriate sanctions against those shipping lines.
“We expect all shipping lines operating in Ghana to respect and remain subject to the laws of Ghana, including rules and regulations of Ghana’s Maritime Industry.
“If these shipping lines/agents do not stop the imposition of the THC and the authority do not take appropriate action to stop them, the Business Association would take further actions as are necessary to ensure that shippers in Ghana are not treated with disdain,” he said.
By Cephas Larbi