By Evelyn ARTHUR
The Shipowners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) has denied allegations that shipping lines operating in the country are exploiting Ghanaians.
Speaking at a media engagement, Adam Imoru-Ayarna, an executive member of SOAAG, stated that shipping is a business of conscience and that shipping lines have no motivation to short-change shippers.
According to him shipping lines are not charging illegal fees and that every charge is a service rendered.
Imoru-Ayarna emphasized that shipping lines prioritize their consumers and would not deliberately surcharge them.
“Everything all companies do, the customer is the center,” he stressed.
He explained that shipping lines have stopped charging cleaning fees, except for one, and steps are being taken to address this.
He also highlighted the importance of transparency in shipping costs, advocating for the introduction of terminal handling charges to determine cost drivers to itemize costs to identify drivers and ensure transparency.
Imoru-Ayarna asserted that shipping creates opportunities for global commerce, and that shipping lines comply with the laws of every country.
He said shipping lines contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy. Citing figures for 2022, he revealed that nine shipping lines paid $9.3 million to the Ghana Maritime Authority and the Ghana Shippers Authority and $12.9 million in corporate income tax.
He encouraged understanding and dialogue to address industry challenges when they crop up so as to improve the business environment in Ghana.
“Shipping creates opportunity for global commerce. Without that, where will we be, so it’s imperative and it’s important that we all appreciate and understand this industry because no matter what we do, it will have an impact on our very being.
It could be negative and it could be positive. That said, I’m not saying shipping lines are saints just like all businesses, there will be challenges but these challenges have to be dealt with.” he said.
