High Court clears way for GSA’s GH¢720 container charge cap as injunction bid dismissed

The High Court has dismissed an application by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and some shipping agents seeking to halt the implementation of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s (GSA) directive capping the Container Administrative Charge (CAC) at GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU).

In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, the GSA said the Court, in its ruling delivered on Friday, July 10, 2026, declined to grant the interlocutory injunction application, which sought to restrain the enforcement of the Authority’s Regulatory Directive dated May 11, 2026.

According to the Authority, the Court held that the directive had already taken effect upon its issuance and that granting the injunction would interfere with the statutory regulatory mandate of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority.

The ruling means the directive remains valid and fully operational, requiring all shipping lines and their agents to immediately comply with the approved cap of GH¢720 per TEU for Container Administrative Charges.

The GSA warned that any shipping line or agent that fails to comply with the directive would face regulatory and enforcement measures under Sections 36 and 47 of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), as well as other applicable laws.

The Authority has also urged importers, exporters, freight forwarders and other stakeholders in the shipping industry to report any cases of non-compliance through its established complaint channels for the necessary action.

The GSA said the directive forms part of its broader mandate to promote transparency and fairness in the application of shipping-related charges while reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.

It reiterated its commitment to maintaining dialogue with stakeholders in the maritime sector to address concerns and create a balanced environment that supports both shippers and shipping lines.

“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority shall continue to act fairly in protecting the interests of both shippers and shipping lines and in creating a win-win enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” the statement said.

The Authority added that it remains committed to regulating the commercial shipping industry and supporting government efforts to lower business costs through improved transparency and accountability in the sector.