The Joint Consultative Business Forum has thrown its support behind the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in its efforts to regulate the country’s shipping sector, urging government, Parliament and the public not to allow attempts to block the reforms through the courts.

Addressing a press conference on May 21, 2026, the Forum said it would no longer tolerate what it described as excessive and unjustified charges imposed on Ghanaian businesses by some foreign shipping lines.

The coalition, which includes the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana, criticised legal action taken by some international shipping companies against the Authority, arguing that the move undermines efforts to ensure fairness and transparency in the industry.

At the centre of the dispute is an interim charge of GHS720 introduced by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority pending further stakeholder consultations.

According to the Forum, some shipping lines have sought an injunction to halt the Authority’s regulatory interventions, a move the group described as contrary to Ghana’s national interest.

The Forum warned that prolonged court battles could weaken confidence in the country’s regulatory institutions while increasing the cost of doing business.

It noted that Ghanaian businesses have for years struggled with high shipping and port-related charges, which have contributed to increased costs across imports, manufacturing and distribution, eventually affecting consumers.

The Forum maintained that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority is acting within its legal mandate under Act 1122 of 2024 to ensure accountability and fairness in the shipping industry.

It further stressed that charges within the sector must be transparent, reasonable and determined through broad stakeholder engagement to protect businesses and consumers from arbitrary pricing practices.

The Joint Consultative Business Forum concluded by calling on Parliament, organised labour, civil society groups and the wider business community to support ongoing efforts to restore order and fairness within Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

The group also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders on policies aimed at promoting business growth, industrial development, job creation and consumer protection.