The High Court in Accra has affirmed the regulatory authority of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to enforce its directives and ordered MSG Freight & Cargo Services to comply with a directive requiring the company to refund excess charges paid by a shipper.
The ruling was delivered in the case of Ghana Shippers’ Authority v Maxwell Edzeame (Proprietor of MSG Freight & Cargo Services), Suit No. GJ/0593/2026. In its ruling dated July 8, 2026, the Court directed MSG Freight & Cargo Services to comply with the GSA’s refund order in accordance with Section 47 of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
Dispute Over Excess Shipping Charges
The case followed a dispute over the application of a commercial exchange rate in calculating shipping-related charges.
According to the GSA, MSG Freight & Cargo Services, a consolidator, failed to apply the applicable commercial exchange rate of its commercial bankers. This resulted in a shipper paying excess storage charges.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority subsequently directed the company to refund the excess amount to the affected shipper. The directive was not complied with, prompting the GSA to seek enforcement through the High Court.
GSA Regulatory Powers Affirmed
The High Court’s decision reinforces the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s regulatory mandate under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), particularly its responsibility to protect the interests of shippers and other stakeholders within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry.
The ruling also highlights the obligation of shipping service providers to comply with lawful regulatory directives issued by the GSA.
The Authority has reminded companies operating in the shipping and logistics sector to comply with applicable regulations governing shipping charges, commercial transactions and fees imposed on shippers.
The GSA warned that where a service provider is found to have imposed charges contrary to statutory or regulatory requirements, it will take appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with the law.
As Ghana’s regulator of the commercial shipping sector, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority said it remains committed to promoting transparency, fairness, predictability and consistency in shipping and logistics transactions.
The Authority added that it will continue enforcing the regulatory framework under Act 1122 to protect the legitimate interests of shippers, service providers and other stakeholders in Ghana’s maritime and logistics sector.
Source: newsthemegh.com