Ship Owners and Agents Associations of Ghana have rejected assertions that they are flouting a directive not to charge Terminal Handling Charges(THC).
According to the Vice President of the association, Adam Umoro Ayana, its members are law abiding and will not act contrary to the laws of Ghana.
Speaking on Citi FM’s “Business Today” Vice Mr. Ayana called on the business associations to be calm as their doors were open for discussion around the issue.
“Let me make the point that shipping lines would never flout any government rule or directive in this country. They would never ever. We are law abiding companies. Our doors are opened and we can sit and discuss as we have our customers who are dear to the shipping line and we are always there to assist them,” he said.
“So if there is any issue the business associations should come and we sit down and discuss it, we don’t have to take the law into our own hands and act against anyone,” he appealed.
He further explained that “giving ultimatum to people with regards to the alleged collection of the THC will not resolve the issues at stake but rather sitting down to discuss or consult among themselves”.
He pointed out that “the shipping lines are reasonable companies and they respect themselves and they are globally affiliated so they wouldn’t do anything otherwise or untoward.”
Business Associations calls for sanctions
Key business organizations in the country have called for all shipping lines that flouted the Transport Minister’s directive asking them to halt charging the Terminal Handling Charges to be sanctioned.
Transport Minister Fiifi Kwetey had earlier directed all shipping lines in the country to stop charging the Terminal Handling Charges.
Despite the directive 5 shipping lines MSC Ghana, PIL Ghana, CMA CGM Ghana, Maersk Ghana and Intermodal Shipping Agency Ghana are reported to be still charging the fees and flouting the Minister’s directives.
Ghana Shippers Authority warns of sanctions
The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has warned it will deal with shipping lines still charging THC fee.
According to the GSA, the THC is seen as one of the non tariff charge which is a barrier to trade .
–
By: Norvan Acquah – Hayford/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
