The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has filed a lawsuit against the Ship Owners and Agents Association and several shipping agencies, accusing them of imposing unauthorized fees and contributing to escalating costs at Ghana’s ports.
The legal action, filed on January 20, 2025, and sighted by Citi Business News, targets what the Freight Forwarders describe as unlawful charges such as container administrative fees, processing fees, evacuation fees, container washing fees, and demurrage fees.
Basis of the Lawsuit
The Freight Forwarders allege that these fees were introduced in violation of industry regulations, despite directives from the Ghana Shippers Authority explicitly banning the imposition of additional port charges.
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According to GIFF, the shipping agencies have continued to impose these charges, creating undue financial burdens for freight forwarders and their clients.
Reliefs Sought
GIFF is seeking the following remedies from the court:
- Declaration of Illegality: A ruling to declare all unapproved fees imposed by shipping agencies unlawful.
- Demurrage Calculations: A declaration that including weekends and public holidays in demurrage calculations is illegal.
- Refund of Charges: An order for the reimbursement of all monies collected under the disputed fees.
- Compensation: An award for costs incurred, including legal expenses.
- Additional Reliefs: Any further actions the court may deem necessary to ensure compliance and accountability.
Advocating for Industry Compliance
GIFF has described the lawsuit as a critical move to protect customers from exploitative practices and to ensure compliance with port and shipping regulations.
“This legal action is necessary to address rising costs at the ports and ensure that the rights of freight forwarders and their clients are protected,” a representative from GIFF stated.
Court Proceedings
The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, as stakeholders in the shipping and freight industry closely monitor developments.
This legal battle underscores ongoing tensions in Ghana’s maritime industry, as freight forwarders push for reforms to reduce operational costs and enhance regulatory compliance at the country’s ports.
