The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has strongly criticized international shipping lines operating in Ghana for resisting regulatory oversight, despite doing business within the country’s jurisdiction.

His comments come in the wake of concerns raised by the Chamber of Freight and Trade on May 21, regarding inconsistencies in the exchange rates used by shipping lines to calculate demurrage and other port-related fees.

Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber, noted that some shipping companies apply different exchange rates, often using interbank rates from their preferred banks or locking in rates on a monthly basis. This lack of standardization, he said, creates serious difficulties for importers.

In defense, the Ship Owners and Agents Association explained that shipping lines typically apply the exchange rate from the country of origin at the time the vessel departs, rather than the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) official rate. They claim this approach aligns with global shipping practices.

However, addressing the issue on the Citi Breakfast Show on May 22, Prof. Gyampo insisted that many shipping lines operating in Ghana are intentionally avoiding local regulations.

“Some shipping lines do not want to be regulated. These are foreign companies doing business here, yet they try to operate outside the legal framework. But under my watch, that won’t be allowed. We will regulate them in line with Ghana’s laws,” he stated firmly.

Drawing a comparison with global norms, Prof. Gyampo emphasized that Ghanaian nationals studying or working abroad have always complied with host country regulations, and he expects the same respect for Ghana’s legal systems from foreign businesses.

He also disclosed that shipping lines have historically resisted legislation requiring them to submit their service charges for approval, clashing with the Shippers Authority, Parliament, and even the Presidency.

“There is a clear legal mandate that empowers us to demand their service charges and either approve or reject them. Yet, they fought back against the law, against Parliament, and even challenged the authority of the president,” he revealed.

Prof. Gyampo stressed that while the Ghana Shippers Authority is open to dialogue, it remains committed to enforcing compliance. He added, “Some of us are deeply patriotic. We will ensure that the laws of Ghana are respected and followed, no matter what.”