Leave Ghana if you can’t obey our laws – FABAG fires at shipping lines

The Food and Beverage Industry Association of Ghana (FABAG) has strongly criticised international shipping lines operating in Ghana, warning that companies unwilling to comply with the country’s laws and regulatory framework should exit the Ghanaian market.

In a sharply worded statement, FABAG expressed its full support for the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) amid an escalating dispute over what the association describes as excessive and unjustified shipping-related charges imposed on businesses and consumers.

“The shipping lines should leave the Ghanaian market if they can’t obey the institutional laws of the country,” FABAG declared.

The association revealed that it had taken notice of a lawsuit reportedly filed by some international shipping lines seeking an injunction against the enforcement of certain regulatory measures introduced by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority. According to FABAG, the legal challenge threatens ongoing efforts aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry.

FABAG described the court action as “unfortunate, counterproductive, and detrimental to the broader national interest,” arguing that it could derail critical reforms intended to reduce the financial burden on businesses already facing difficult economic conditions.

The association stated that businesses within Ghana’s food and beverage sector have for years struggled under mounting port charges, administrative fees, and shipping-related costs, many of which have significantly increased the overall cost of doing business in the country.

According to FABAG, these charges continue to contribute to rising consumer prices at a time when industries are battling inflation, currency instability, high import costs, and stiff competition within the local market.

“At a time when industries are struggling with high operational costs, exchange rate instability, inflationary pressures, and unfair trade competition, every effort must be made to reduce the cost burden on legitimate businesses,” the association stated.

FABAG commended the Ghana Shippers’ Authority for what it described as decisive leadership in protecting local businesses and promoting a more transparent regulatory environment within the shipping sector. The association argued that the regulator must be allowed to perform its lawful duties without interference or intimidation from powerful international shipping operators.

“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority must be allowed to exercise its lawful regulatory mandate without intimidation or obstruction,” FABAG stressed.

The association also renewed calls for greater transparency in shipping charges and port-related fees, insisting that all costs imposed on businesses should be properly justified and subjected to stakeholder consultations before implementation.

“Shipping charges and related fees must be transparent, justified, and subjected to proper stakeholder consultation,” the statement added.

FABAG further warned against what it described as “excessive profit-driven practices” that negatively affect Ghanaian businesses, consumers, and the wider economy. The group maintained that the welfare of local industries and consumers should take priority over the commercial interests of foreign shipping companies.

The association has therefore called on government agencies, organised labour groups, trade unions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to support the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in its efforts to restore fairness and accountability within Ghana’s ports and shipping sector.

FABAG reaffirmed its commitment to continued dialogue and constructive engagement with stakeholders while advocating policies that safeguard businesses, jobs, investments, and consumer interests across the country.

The ongoing standoff between shipping lines and regulators is expected to generate wider debate within Ghana’s business community as concerns grow over rising port charges and their impact on trade competitiveness and the cost of living.