[ 2016-09-29 ]

Ship Owners debunk THC allegations
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
.

Source - citibsinessnews.com

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