Exporters, importers demand refunds as court backs GSA's container charge cap

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has welcomed a High Court decision dismissing an application that sought to halt the enforcement of new regulations governing shipping charges at Ghana's ports, describing the ruling as a major victory for local businesses.

The court rejected an interlocutory injunction application filed by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and several shipping lines, clearing the way for the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) to enforce its May 11, 2026 Regulatory Directive, which caps the Container Administrative Charge (CAC) at GH¢720 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).

The High Court's ruling, delivered on Friday, July 10, 2026, affirms that the GSA's directive remains legally valid, operational and enforceable despite the legal challenge mounted by shipping companies.

The decision is expected to pave the way for stricter regulation of shipping costs, an issue that has long been a source of concern for importers, exporters and manufacturers operating in Ghana.

For years, businesses have complained that excessive container administrative charges and other port-related fees have increased the cost of imports, reduced the competitiveness of Ghana's ports and contributed to rising prices of goods across the country.

Reacting to the court's decision, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit called on the Ghana Shippers' Authority and the Ministry of Transport to implement the directive without delay.

According to the Association, the judgment provides the legal certainty required for regulators to fully enforce the approved cap on container administrative charges.

The IEAG stressed that consistent enforcement of the directive would help reduce the financial burden on businesses while improving transparency within Ghana's shipping and logistics sector.

Beyond enforcing the directive, the Association is also demanding that the Ghana Shippers' Authority require shipping lines to refund importers and exporters any excess Container Administrative Charges collected after the directive came into effect in May.

The IEAG argues that allowing shipping companies to retain fees collected above the approved ceiling during the period of legal uncertainty would be unfair to businesses that were compelled to pay the additional charges.

According to the Association, such refunds would reinforce confidence in Ghana's regulatory institutions and demonstrate that businesses are protected when regulations are violated.

The ruling is expected to be welcomed by many businesses that have consistently called for reforms to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana's ports.

Industry players have long maintained that high shipping and port charges contribute significantly to inflation by increasing the cost of imported raw materials, equipment and consumer goods.

Lower administrative charges, they argue, will improve the competitiveness of Ghana's ports, support trade facilitation and reduce operational costs for importers and exporters.

The High Court's decision therefore represents an important development in ongoing efforts to reform Ghana's maritime and logistics sector while strengthening regulatory oversight of shipping charges.