High Court affirms GSA’s authority to enforce refund directive

The High Court in Accra has affirmed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s power to enforce its regulatory directives, ordering a shipping service provider to refund excess charges to a shipper.

In the case Ghana Shippers’ Authority v Maxwell Edzeame (Proprietor of MSG Freight & Cargo Services), Suit No. GJ/0593/2026, the Court on 8 July 2026 directed MSG Freight & Cargo Services to comply with a GSA refund order under Section 47 of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).

The dispute arose after the consolidator failed to apply the applicable commercial exchange rate of its bankers, resulting in excess storage charges being paid by the shipper.

The GSA directed MSG to refund the excess amount, but the company did not comply, prompting the Authority to seek enforcement through the Court.

The ruling reinforces the GSA’s regulatory mandate under Act 1122 to protect the interests of shippers and other stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector. It also underscores the obligation of service providers to comply with lawful directives issued by the Authority.

In a statement issued on 29 September 2026, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority reminded industry players of the need to adhere to regulatory directives governing charges and commercial transactions with shippers.

The Authority warned that where a service provider is found to have imposed charges contrary to applicable statutory directives, it will take appropriate regulatory measures in accordance with the law.

“As the regulator of the commercial shipping sector, GSA remains committed to promoting transparency, predictability, fairness and consistency in shipping and logistics transactions,” the statement said.

The Authority added that it will continue to enforce compliance with the regulatory framework under Act 1122 to protect the legitimate interests of all players in the sector.

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Read the full statement below: